Yeah, sure. Joe at a disadvantage was a rare phenomenon. 'How’s Diane?”
“Fine.' He paused. 'I haven’t seen much of her lately.'
'A cop’s wife was a hell of a life. Another rough case?'
'The roughest.' He gazed out at the sea. 'But I wouldn’t have seen her anyway. Our divorce was final three months ago.'
'What?' Shock rippled through Eve. 'Why didn’t you tell me?”
“There wasn’t much to tell. Diane never really became accustomed to being a cop’s wife. She’ll be happier now.'
'Why didn’t Mom say anything to me?'
'I asked her not to worry you. You were supposed to be relaxing.”
“Oh, God, I’m sorry, Joe.' She was silent a moment. 'Was it my fault?”
“How could it be your fault?'
'You were my friend, you helped me. For God’s sake, I got you shot. You were almost killed. I know she was angry with me.'
He didn’t deny it. 'It would have happened anyway. We should never have gotten married. It was a mistake.' He changed the subject. 'What kind of work have you been doing since you’ve been here?'
She looked at him in frustration. The divorce must have hurt him, and she wanted to help. But he had always edged away from talking about his marriage. Maybe she could get something out The Killing Game – Eve Duncan 02
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of him later. 'I haven’t had much work. Principally superimpositions and age progressions. A few reconstruction cases the LAPD sent me.' She made a face. 'I soon discovered that most agencies prefer a forensic sculptor on the same continent. I’m pretty inaccessible here. I’ve actually done some regular sculpting to keep myself busy.'
'Satisfying?'
'In a way.'
“Not a good way?”
“It feels… strange.'
'Most people would say that working on skulls is a little strange. What does Logan say?'
'Logan thinks regular sculpting is healthy for me. He’s probably right.”
“Does it feel healthy?'
'No, there’s something… missing.”
“Purpose.'
She was not surprised Joe understood. He understood everything about her. 'It’s the lost ones.
I could be doing more to help the lost ones come home. Logan says I need to distance myself.
He thinks I should walk away, that it’s the worst possible career for me to have.'
'And what do you say to him?'
'To mind his own business.' She grimaced. 'Just like I tell you. I wish you’d both realize I’m going to do what I want to do regardless of what either of you think.'
Joe laughed. 'I never had any doubt about that. I doubt if Logan does either. Are you going to let me see your work? I’ve never seen you sculpt anything but skulls.'
'Later maybe.' She gave him a hard stare. 'If you’re decent to Logan.' She turned into the driveway leading up to the large white plantation house. 'He’s been terrific to me. I won’t have you abusing his hospitality.'
'Nice house. Where do you work?'
'Logan had a lab built for me on the beach beside the house. Stop trying to change the subject.
Are you going to be nice to Logan?'
'You’re very defensive. As I remember, Logan can take care of himself.”
“I always defend my friends.'
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'Just friends?' His gaze narrowed on her face. 'Not lovers?' She looked away from him. 'Lovers can be friends. Stop probing, Joe.”
“Does it make you uneasy? Or are you already uneasy? Is he pushing too hard?”
“No, you’re pushing too hard.' She parked in front of the house and jumped out.
'Back off.'
'No problem. I think I’ve got my answer.' He took his suitcase out of the backseat. 'I’ll be much less abrasive once I have a shower. Do you want me to face Logan now, or do you want to show me where to lay my weary head?'
