Its not fair. Hed want me there. I need to She drew a deep breath. It wasnt what she needed but what Joe needed that mattered. Is Diane there?
She got here just as they were wheeling him out of the operating room. Sandra made a face. She was cold as ice to me. Youd think Id shot him.
Its not you. Shes really angry with me. Youre my mother. She probably blames you for bringing me into the world.
I guess so. But I thought she liked me. I had coffee with her only a few weeks ago. I thought she liked both of us.
Shes just upset. Itll be different when Joe gets better. If he got better. If he didnt die. When will they know?
Perhaps tomorrow. Sandra hesitated. But I cant go back in there, Eve. A policeman came into the ICU right before I left. He was checking on Joe.
Of course. Joe was a cop, and cops took care of their own. The hospital would soon be crawling with officers.
Logan was already starting the car. Then weve got to get out of here. Pronto.
And where are we going? Sandra asked.
I told Margaret and Pilton to meet us at that Hardees near Emory where we met Quinn. Logan drove out of the parking lot. Shell take you to Sanibel and then arrange to get you out of the country.
No, Sandra said.
Eve stiffened. Its the only safe thing, Mom. Youve got to do it.
I dont have to do anything. Her lips thinned. And who says its the safest thing? You? Logan? Nei-ther of you has done such a good job of keeping your-self safe, and Joes lying in that hospital. Why should I believe youd do any better at seeing that I dont get killed?
Panic iced through Eve. Mom, please. You have to do as I say.
Bullshit. Sandra looked her in the eye. Ive done everything you and Margaret told me to do. Youve all treated me as if I were some half-wit child. Its finished, Eve.
I want to keep you safe.
I intend to be safe. She turned to Logan. Drive me to the Peachtree Arms Apartments. Its right off Piedmont.
Eve recognized the address. Youre going to Rons place?
You bet I am. Its what Ive wanted to do all along.
Do you really think hell take you in and hide you?
Ill find out, wont I? Or maybe well discuss it and decide I should turn myself in as a material witness to Joes shooting. Ill ask them to put me in jail for protective custody. Whatever I do, it will be my decision. She looked back at Logan. Drive or let me out of the car.
Logan hesitated and then pressed on the accel-erator. This may be a mistake, Sandra.
If it is, it wont be my first. Hell, Ive made every one in the book at one time or another. She said to Eve, I wont be able to go to the hospital, but Ill call them several times a day and let you know how Joes doing.
Mom, dont take this chance. I could never for-give myself if anything happened to you.
Dont you dare say that. Youre my daughter, not my mother. You take care of yourself, Ill take care of myself. No guilt, dammit. I wont be another Bonnie.
Eves eyes widened.
Oh, shit, dont look at me like that. Sandra leaned forward and squeezed Eves shoulder. Just let me go, Eve. Let her go.
Were not talking about Bonnie.
Oh, yes, shes here every minute of every day. Shes behind your every word and gesture.
Thats not true.
Sandra shook her head. You dont have to forget her to let her go, baby. Just let a little light come into your life. God, its dark where you are.
Imfine. Everything will be okay once this is all over.
Will it?
Mom, I cant take this right now.
Ill be quiet. I know youre hurting. But dont try to run my life, Eve. Its taken me too long to learn how to do it myself.
Piedmont is right ahead, Logan said.
The Arms is around the corner.
What if Rons not home? Eve asked.
I have a key. Sandra smiled. Ive had it since our third date. That I never told you says something about the way you intimidated me, doesnt it?
I never tried to
