Blind Alley - Iris Johansen [8]
“No one, Mama. But you shouldn't worry until there's something definite to worry about. Life's too short.”
She turned her head and saw Bonnie sitting in the porch swing. Her legs crossed, dressed in jeans and the usual Bugs Bunny T-shirt. “That's what Joe says. I'm not listening to either one of you. He's too damn logical and you're a dream. I think I have a hell of a lot to worry about.”
Bonnie sighed. “I'm not a dream, I'm a ghost. Deep down you know that's true.”
“I don't know any such thing. I probably invented you when I was so depressed that I had to have a way to cope or kill myself.”
“Yeah, that's why I first came to you.” A smile illuminated her face. “And because I missed you.”
Eve felt her throat tighten. “I miss you, too, baby.”
“You'd miss me less if you let Joe come closer. I thought for a while that you were going to be okay but you pushed him away.”
“You know why I did that.”
She sighed. “Me, again. It was a mistake but he did it because he loved you.”
“I know all that. We're working on it.” She looked back at the lake. “Why are you here? You haven't come to me for months.”
“You need me. I'll always be here when you need me.”
Why was she looking at the lake when she could look at Bonnie? It didn't matter if she was a ghost or a dream, she was Bonnie. She turned and gazed hungrily at her. “I do need you. Every minute of every day.”
“I can't be here all the time. And you have other people who love you. Joe. Jane.”
“Jane may be in trouble. I'm afraid for her.”
Bonnie nodded soberly. “I'm afraid for her too. He's close.”
“Who's close?”
“The bad one.” She unfolded her legs and they dangled above the floor of the porch.
Such a little girl, Eve thought. So small and dear . . . “You don't know who he is?”
She shook her head. “Only that he's bad.”
“Like the man who killed you?”
“I can't think of that time, Mama. It's gone. So I can't answer you. But I know that the man who killed Ruth is twisted and dark.”
“I'm glad you can't remember that time, baby.” She cleared her throat. “But it's damn convenient you can't tell me any concrete facts. What good is a ghost if she's not useful?”
Bonnie threw back her head and laughed. “I'm useful. I keep you from going around all gloomy and suicidal. Besides, I don't have to be useful. You'll love me anyway.”
“Yes, I will.”
“And you'll love Jane, no matter what.”
“I'm not sure she believes that.”
“She's afraid to believe it. She's been hurt too many times.”
“That was a long time ago. Joe and I have tried to make up for all those years.”
“She's not like me. The bad times are still with her.”
“So what the hell can I do?”
Bonnie shook her head. “She has to work her way through it.”
“If she has time. If some bastard doesn't kill her like he did you.”
“You won't let that happen.” She tilted her head, listening. “I think Joe's almost finished talking on the phone. I'd better leave you. Do you know when I'll know you don't need me any longer?”
“I'll always need you.”
She shook her head. “You won't need me when you're so close to Joe that you'll share me with him. When you tell him I come to see you.”
“And have him tell me I'm nuts?”
“See, you're not ready.” She suddenly frowned. “Jane's dreaming again. She's scared. You'd better go to her.”
Eve rose to her feet. “She was fine before I came out here.”
“She's not now. Wake her. She can't do anything right now. She wants help, but there's nothing that— Wake her.”
Eve headed for the front door. “If she's not dreaming, your credibility is going to be zilch.”
Bonnie smiled. “Wake her. Good-bye, Mama. I'll see you soon.”
“You'd better.”
She opened the screen door and saw Joe still sitting on the couch talking on the phone. She glanced back at the porch swing and saw what she expected. Vacant. No Bonnie.
“I'll be right with you,” Joe said when he saw her in the doorway. “Give me a few more minutes.”
She nodded. “I'm going to check on Jane anyway.” She moved down the hall toward Jane's room. “It shouldn't take me long.”
Joe had hung up the phone and was