'A child? Jane, you know I can’t accept any more children. But if he’s having trouble at home, we can call Family Services and see if they can intercede with his parents.'
She should have known Fay wouldn’t understand. 'They won’t help. They’ll go see them and then they’ll leave and make a report. It would make it worse for him.'
'Who is this? Tell me.'
Jane started for the door.
'Jane, I want to help you. Trust me. You’re going to get into trouble.”
“I’ll be okay. I won’t be late for school again.'
'That’s not what I mean.' Fay was looking helplessly at her. 'I want to be your friend. Why can’t I get through to you? Why do you keep everything bottled up inside?'
'Could I have the apple?'
“I shouldn’t let you— Oh, go ahead, take it. But I don’t want you punching Chang again.'
'Okay.' Jane opened the door and ran down the steps. That she had made Fay unhappy made her feel bad. For a moment she had thought Fay would understand and help her, but she should have known better. You couldn’t count on anyone to help you. You had to do it yourself.
At least Fay had not made her give up the apple the way some grownups would have. But there would be no more food for Mike from Fay’s refrigerator. She would have to find it somewhere else.
Her forehead creased in a frown as she began to consider how she would do it.
The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
Page 85 of 286
SIX
Dom made Eve wait over forty-eight hours before he called again.
'Did you like my gift?' he asked.
'I hated it. You knew I would.'
'But how could you hate your own flesh and blood? Oops, slip of the tongue. No flesh, no blood, just bone.'
'Who is she?'
'I told you, it’s your Bonnie.'
'No, you know who I mean. Who is this Jane?'
'Well, she may be your Bonnie too. Have you thought about the possibility of—”
“What’s her last name?'
'She’s not as pretty but she has the same red hair. Unfortunately, she’s had a rougher time this go-around than when she was your Bonnie. Four foster homes.' He clucked regretfully. 'So sad.'
'Where is she?'
'You’d recognize the place.'
She felt a sudden chill. A grave? 'Is she alive?”
“Of course.'
'Do you have her?'
'No, so far I’ve only been observing her. I find her very interesting. You will too, Eve.'
'Tell me her last name. Dammit, I know you want me to know.”
“But you have to earn it. It’s part of the game. Don’t try to bring the police into it or I’ll be very unhappy. I’m sure your maternal instincts will lead you to little Jane. Find her, Eve. Before I become impatient.' He hung up.
She punched the end button.
'No luck?' Joe asked.
The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
Page 86 of 286
She stood up. 'We’re going to Atlanta.”
“What the hell?'
'He said I’d recognize the place where she can be found. I know Atlanta better than any other place. Do you have contacts with child welfare?'
He shook his head.
'Do you know anyone else who can help us? He said she’d been in four foster homes. There have to be records.'
'We can try Mark Grunard. I don’t know anyone who’s better at digging out information, and he has contacts everywhere.'
