'He knew about the two boys at Talladega,' Eve said.
'That doesn’t mean he’s after Jane.'
'Do you want to take the chance?'
'Of course I don’t.' She stared at Eve. 'But I don’t intend to let you jerk Jane away from me unless I’m convinced there’s a need for it. She’s been tossed from one home to another since she was two. I’m responsible for her now. I won’t have her torn from another home and frightened out of her wits.'
'We’re not the ones who will frighten her.'
'Bring me proof; show me how you’ll protect her and I’ll let her go.' Eve drew a deep breath.
'Proof may come too late.'
'You don’t realize how damaged this child is. I want a chance at earning her trust.' She turned to Mark Grunard. 'And if you try to put me or any of this on TV, I’ll sue the station.'
He held up his hands. 'I’m just an observer.' He paused. 'But I’d listen if I were you. No one is trying to victimize the child but this Dom. We’re trying to save her, Ms. Sugarton.'
Fay hesitated and then shook her head. 'Bring me proof and I’ll let you take her.”
“You’re putting the child at risk,' Eve said.
Fay gave her a shrewd glance. 'I don’t imagine you’ll let her become a victim. I’d bet you’ll have a guard on her.'
'That may not be enough. She needs to be hidden away.”
“I don’t see you hiding.'
'That’s my choice. A child has no choice.' Fay grimaced. 'You don’t know Jane.”
“She’s a child, dammit.'
'A child who’s been abused and neglected most of her life. She doesn’t think much of grownups already, and you want me to tell her someone’s trying to kill her just for the hell of it?'
'What kind of proof do you want?' Joe asked.
'It sounds like you found Jane too easily. I want the welfare people to go through all their The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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records, both city and county, and make sure Jane is the only one who fits the profile. And have that FBI agent, Spiro, come by and talk to me. I trust the FBI.' She glanced at Joe. 'No offense, but my kids have had problems with the local police and I don’t like you showing up with this TV
man.'
Eve looked at Joe. If Dom didn’t want the police involved, he wouldn’t be pleased at seeing the FBI there.
He shrugged. 'I don’t like it either, but we have located the little girl. He can’t move on her without our knowing it now.'
Eve turned back to Fay. 'Then it’s settled. You’ll talk to Robert Spiro. Please listen to him. We’ve told you what a problem we’re having with Family Services.'
'I promise to listen. No more than that.' She stood up. 'Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have housework to do and then I have to go to the grocery store.' She said to Eve, 'Sorry, but I have to be sure. Jane’s a tough proposition. This may blow any chance I have of reaching her.'
'For God’s sake, help us.'
'I’ll do what I can. Right now she’s at Crawford Middle School on Thirteenth street.' Fay walked to the chest across the room, rummaged through the top drawer, and handed a photograph to Eve. 'That’s her school picture from last year. She gets out at three and walks home. It’s only four blocks. Keep an eye on her, but I don’t want you talking to her.' Her lips firmed. 'If you scare her, I’ll scalp you.'
'Thank you.' Eve thrust the photo into her purse. 'But you’re making a mistake.' Fay shrugged.
'I’ve made a lot of them, but I can only do my best. I’ve had twelve foster children in the past six years and I think most of them are better for being with me.' She moved to the door and opened it. 'Good-bye. Give me proof and we’ll work something out.'
Mark Grunard said as they reached the street, 'Tough lady. Evidently she isn’t easily impressed by my fame and sparkling personality.'
'I like her.' Eve scowled. 'Though I’d like to break her neck. Why wouldn’t she listen?'
'She believes she’s doing what’s best for the kid,' Joe said. 'And she’s not about to take anyone’s word without thinking it over first.'
'So what do we do now?' Mark asked.
'You go home and get some sleep. You were up all night,' Joe said. 'As soon as we get to the car, we’ll call Spiro and ask him to come down and talk to Fay Sugarton.' He looked at Eve. 'And then I assume this afternoon we watch the school and make sure the kid gets home all right?'
She started toward the car. 'That’s the plan.'
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'I’m tied up here. I can’t come right now,' Spiro said.
