'Mike,' Jane whispered. 'The creep saw him. I told him to go over by the Union Mission, but he’s probably back on Luther. It’s closer to his mom.'
'Who’s Mike?'
'He’s too little. I tried to keep him— Kids are dumb when they’re that little. They don’t know…'
'About creeps, Jane?'
'His father’s a creep but not like—' Jane drew a deep breath. 'You think that creep who’s been following me is this Dom, who killed Fay, don’t you?'
'I’m not sure.'
'But you think he did.'
'I believe he might have done it.'
'Son of a bitch.' Jane’s eyes were glittering with tears. 'Dirty son of a bitch.”
“Yes.'
'I should have told her. I thought he was just one of those creeps who went after kids. There are lots of them around. I didn’t know he’d hurt—'
'It wasn’t your fault.'
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'I should have told her. She wanted me to tell her things. I should have—”
“Jane, it wasn’t your fault.'
She shook her head. 'I should have told her.'
'Okay, maybe you should have told her. We all do things we regret. But you couldn’t know he’d hurt her.'
Jane closed her eyes. 'I should have told her.'
Eve gave up arguing. She’d had her own share of guilt and regrets after Bonnie had been taken from her. But Jane was only ten. Children shouldn’t have to bear such heavy burdens. But since when was life fair?
'How old is Mike?'
'Six.'
Eve felt sick. Jane was the target, not this little boy. But would Dom care? Another life would mean nothing to him.
'Fay wouldn’t let me bring him home with me. She wanted to call the welfare people about him. But I knew they’d just send him back to his father. Mike’s afraid of him. I couldn’t let her call.' Her eyes opened. 'I tried to keep him safe.'
'I’m sure you did.'
'But the creep saw me with him. He knows Mike’s alone.'
'He may be safe.' Eve touched her shoulder. She was stiff as a board, but at least she didn’t move away. 'We’ll find him, Jane. I’m sure Dom isn’t anywhere near Luther. There are police all over the neighborhood.'
'You said he was crazy.'
'Not about his own safety. I’m sure Mike will be all right until we get to him.' She hoped she was telling the truth. 'And after that I’ll make sure he stays safe.'
“He can’t go back to his father.”
“I’ll make sure he’s safe,' Eve repeated. 'You promise?'
Good God, what was she getting herself into? One kidnapping wasn’t enough? 'I promise.' She paused. 'But you’ve got to promise me that you’ll do as I tell you so I can keep you safe.'
'I’m not like Mike. I can take care of myself.”
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“A promise for a promise, Jane.'
She shrugged. 'Okay, if you’re not stupid about it.'
Eve breathed a sigh of relief. 'I’ll try not to be stupid. I’m sure you’ll tell me if I am.'
'You bet I will.'
Mark pulled off the street and stopped just inside the alley.
'Turn off your lights,' Jane hissed. 'Do you want to scare him?' She scrambled out of the car and ran down the alley.
'Jane!' Eve jumped out and followed her into the darkness. The digital phone in her handbag rang.
She ignored it. She couldn’t deal with either Joe or Dom just then. But she might have to deal with Dom in the flesh, she thought suddenly. He might have known that Jane would come to the alley.
He might be waiting ahead in the darkness.
