Quinn - Iris Johansen [93]
Eve made a face. “And I should have known that Jane’s too honest to make you believe that everything was just fine.”
“She tried, but she’s clear as glass around the people she loves.” He smiled. “Like you, Eve.”
“That’s not so bad.” She took his hand. “Except when I want to keep you safe, dammit. Did Jane tell you anything?”
“Only that you were going up to Gallo’s property. I figured I’d get everything else out of her on our way there. She said she wouldn’t let me go alone.”
She shook her head. “No, of course she wouldn’t. She didn’t like it that I made her stay here and try to stall you until I was sure what was happening up there.”
“And what is happening?” Joe’s hand tightened on hers. “I’m trying to hold on to my patience, but I’m having a tough time of it. Do you know how much I’ve hated being stuck in this damn hospital while Catherine was going after Gallo?”
Eve had realized that every day lately. She had been surprised that he had not been more impatient. It was not like Joe. “You’ve been very good about not complaining until it was time for your release.”
“What good would it do? I have to be as strong as possible before I go after Gallo. Has Catherine found him?”
“Yes.”
“What aren’t you telling me?”
“He’s convinced her that he didn’t kill Bonnie.”
“What?”
“You heard me.” She shook her head. “Or maybe she’s convinced herself. I can’t put it all together. All she’d tell me was that she’d fought to believe what I’d told her was true, but that it didn’t work for her.”
“So why are you here instead of up there in the woods trying to shake some sense into her?”
“Because I called her when I was on the road, and she wasn’t at the property. It sounded like an airport. ”
“So you came back here.” He added, “To save Jane and face the music.”
She nodded. “I was expecting you to be angry.”
“Not angry. Impatient, frustrated, confused.” He shrugged. “It will take some time for me to muster any anger in connection with you. I came too close to losing you. Which puts everything else definitely in perspective.” He suddenly chuckled. “Though being human, I’m sure it will come back to me with full force.”
“I’m sure, too.” Her lips twisted. “And I come in here, and you’re walking the halls and building up stamina. Not very reassuring.”
“I can’t have you taking me for granted.” His tone was absent. “Which airport? Did you hear any flight being called?”
“No, just the Homeland Security bag announcement. And a flight arrival from Miami. ”
“What time was it?”
“Three forty in the morning. It had to be either Milwaukee or Chicago. They didn’t have time to get from Gallo’s property to any other airport. When Catherine called me previously, she told me she was still at the property.”
“Have you checked with both airports to see if there was a flight at that time?”
“Not yet. I thought I’d let you do it.” She smiled faintly. “It will keep you busy for a little while and give you a little more rest before you take the big plunge. I’m going to try to ration your energy.”
He tilted his head. “You’re not going to try to stop me?”
“I’ve bought more time than I thought I’d be able to manage—thanks to Catherine.” Her lips tightened. “I can’t understand how she could—”
“Yes, you can. Catherine and I were wondering the same thing about you a month ago. Gallo is very convincing.” He was frowning. “But Catherine didn’t have the same history with Gallo as you did, and she’s smart as hell. It’s a puzzle. What argument did she use?”
“She said that he didn’t do it. She told me to start with that and work back.”
“That’s all?”
“Something about Gallo trying to take his life.”
“Killers sometimes do commit suicide.”
“That’s not what she meant.” She bit her lower lip. “I was so sure, Joe. But all I can think of now was how tormented Gallo was in those days when we were together. I could feel how much he loved Bonnie. Was I wrong to believe Paul Black?”
“You said Gallo believed