Chasing the Night - Iris Johansen [132]
“Stiff as a board,” Kelly said.
“Sincere,” Eve said. “Leave him alone, Kelly.” To Luke, she said, “I’m very happy to see you, too. Now go down the hall to the linen closet in the bathroom and see if you can find a swimsuit that will fit you.” He started to go into the house, then stopped as he saw Kelly’s computer and notebook lying on the porch swing. He went over to the swing and looked down at the note pad. “Patterns? Catherine told me about what you do. It’s interesting.”
“Like a book?” Kelly smiled. “But it applies to everyday life, too. It’s real, Luke.”
“Is it?”
“Yes, everything that happens to us causes a pattern to form, turns us into what we’re going to be, what we’re going to do.”
He continued to look down at the notebook. “You’re saying that what happened to me with Rakovac could cause me to keep doing what he—” He violently shook his head. “No, I hate him. That would mean he’s still here. He’s gone. You’re crazy. I won’t believe you.”
“He’s still in your mind,” Kelly said. “Believe what you please. He’s part of your pattern.”
“Kelly,” Eve said warningly.
“They don’t want me to disturb you,” Kelly said. “Eve and Catherine want you treated with kid gloves. You don’t want that, do you, Luke? And I don’t want that for Catherine. I can’t stand the thought of her having to tiptoe around you.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying if you want to get rid of Rakovac and all that baggage forever, you have to trace the pattern from the beginning. From the time you were taken from Catherine. You have to do what I do, look at what happened, then see where it takes you next.” She held his gaze. “I’ll help you chart it, Luke. I’m really good at patterns.”
He stared at her for a moment, then whirled and went into the house.
Eve shook her head. “Why, Kelly?”
“Because it’s my time now.” She shifted her glance from the door to Eve’s face. “Because I like Luke and I love Catherine and I can help them mend. I told you once that I was trying to find a reason, something worthwhile, in this so-called wonderful gift I have.”
“You found Luke. What’s more valuable than that?”
“Maybe to help them find each other?” Kelly shrugged. “I don’t know. I can look at all Luke’s scars without it hurting me too much. Catherine couldn’t do that. I can be the buffer. When you chart a pattern, you have to delve deep, learn everything about what’s causing it. Sound familiar? Sort of like what goes on when you go to a psychiatrist for therapy? Only I’m no psychiatrist, I can only help Luke help himself. It may be enough. It could be that’s the reason Catherine and I came together in the beginning. I just think it’s my time, and this is what I should do.”
Eve reached out and gently touched the curve of Kelly’s cheek. “It’s part of your pattern?”
“Yes.” She smiled unsteadily. “And you’ve been a big part of it, too. I…care about you, Eve. I hope I haven’t been in the way too much.”
“Listen,” Eve said. “You’ve never been in the way. You enriched us.” She kissed her on the cheek. “And your damn pattern had better be intertwining with ours from now on.” She took her hand and pulled her toward the stairs. “Come on. We need to go see Catherine. You’ve spent enough time harassing her son.”
“He’d better get used to it. He gets enough tender loving care from the rest of you. He doesn’t really understand it. Having to argue and fight with me will be good for him.” She followed Eve down the steps. “I guarantee it.”
“He’s been very quiet, Eve.” Catherine’s gaze was on Luke, who had just finishing eating his barbecued steak and was sitting beneath a tree beside the lake. Joe motioned to him from the barbecue pit, and Luke jumped up and went to help. “He hasn’t spoken to Kelly all afternoon.”
“Are you blaming Kelly?”
“For Pete’s sake, no. Kelly did what she thought was right. And I am overprotective. I can’t bear the thought of losing Luke again.” She made a face. “And you