Quinn - Iris Johansen [50]
“You malign me. Would I do that to you?”
“I’m beginning to think that you have a wicked sense of humor. You just haven’t let me see it before.”
“I had to wait to show that side of my personality. You weren’t ready for it.” He got to his feet. “I’ll take your cup inside.” He stood from a moment, looking out into the darkness of the quiet street, the well-kept yards, the lamplight streaming out of the windows. “So peaceful. It’s a nice neighborhood. Bramwell said that it was a hell of a lot easier watching your house than the usual neighborhoods he’s been accustomed to monitoring.” He moved toward the door. “Stay here. I’ll get you a real cup of coffee.”
“Don’t bother.” She got to her feet. “All that painting has worn me out. I think I’ll shower, then go to bed.” She moved toward the door. “I’ll do better without coffee.”
“You’re sure?” He held the door open for her. “My duty is to please.”
“Tell that to McVey.”
“There’s always an exception to prove a rule.” He turned on the light in the living room and watched her walk up the steps. She did look tired, but it had been a fair day. He had worked her at painting, making sure the physical exertion would be enough to block out the mental torment that was always with her. He checked his watch. It was near ten in the evening. He’d check in with Slindak and go to bed himself.
He hoped he could sleep. Eve wasn’t the only one who was on edge from all this waiting.
Where are you, bastard?
* * *
THE PHONE RANG IN THE middle of the night.
He reached over to the pick up the receiver of the phone on the end table beside the couch on which he was sleeping.
Eve was already on the line.
And so was Zeus.
“You have such a pretty house there, bitch. Does it make you feel safe to be with the FBI man? Are you sleeping with him?”
“No. And, yes, I do feel safe. All your threats, and you weren’t able to touch me. You’re a coward. I was right in all things I told the world about you.”
Oh, shit, Joe thought. That’s right, wave the red flag at the bull.
But Zeus didn’t seem angry. When he spoke again, his voice was calm and honey-smooth. “You’re trying to make me mad. Are you trying to trace the call again? You’ll be disappointed. I have only one thing to say to you and then I’m gone … for a little while.”
“What?”
“You didn’t say ‘thank you’ when I complimented you on your house. That was rude, but I’ll forgive you. Do you know what I like about your house? It’s that lovely porch, with the hanging basket of flowers. I like plants and flowers far better than I like people. They have no ugliness about them unless I choose to make them ugly. Flowers make a statement, don’t they? You should pay attention to that statement.” He hung up.
He heard Eve’s exclamation before he crashed down the phone.
He threw on his clothes and ran out to the hall to see Eve at the top of the stairs.
“The porch,” she said as she ran down the stairs. She flipped on the light in the foyer. “He was talking about the porch. Why would he—”
“Don’t go out there.” He passed her and drew his gun as he carefully opened the front door. “Let me take a look. I just hope Bramwell doesn’t mistake me for Zeus and decide to take a shot at me.”
“Be careful, dammit.”
“Always.” His gaze was darting over the porch, street, and neighboring houses. It was still and dark except for the streetlight on the corner. “I don’t see anything.”
“That doesn’t mean he’s not there.” Eve pushed closer to him, following his gaze. “And where’s Bramwell? Shouldn’t he have come running when the lights went on?”
“Yes, he must be in back doing his hourly tour.” His gaze again wandered over the same area. “I don’t see anything. Maybe it was a bluff.” He took a step out onto the porch. “He might have wanted to keep you—” He broke off, stiffening.
She was right behind him. “What is it?”
“Go back inside.”
“The hell I will. What’s—” She inhaled sharply as she saw where he was looking.
A group of dark liquid drops was spattered on the floor of the porch.
As he watched, another drop fell from the hanging basket to the floor.