“It’s surprising to me.” She wrapped her arms around her knees. “I can’t imagine that many ugly people rushing to embrace more ugliness.”
“That’s because you don’t have the ugly gene. Jelak was born with it and just went looking for a place to plant it and make it grow.”
She was silent a moment. “Jelak hates Joe. He won’t let him live even if he thinks he’s going to get what he wants. Isn’t that right?”
“Not if he sees any way out.”
“We can’t let anything happen to him,” she whispered. “It would kill Eve.”
“And not you?”
She nodded. “He’s been my friend for all the years I’ve been with them. It was difficult for me to get close to anyone during those first years. Eve was easier. She was like me. We’d both grown up on the streets. Joe was different. He was tough, but he’d never experienced what Eve and I had. I guess I was a little jealous of what Eve felt for Joe. I knew how hard it was for her to love anyone. Her whole focus was Bonnie. But she loved Joe and, heaven knows, Joe loved her. I’d watch him looking at her, and it made me feel lonely. I never let either one of them see it because I was grateful to have whatever Eve could share with me.” She shrugged. “But Joe and I both knew that we had to get along, or one of us might lose Eve. It was never spoken, but the thought was always there. Neither one of us could stand the thought, so we gradually began to open to each other. But Joe never pushed me. He was just there whenever I needed him.”
“That’s pretty impressive.”
“He is impressive, in every way.” Her lips tightened. “And we can’t let anything happen to him. There aren’t that many good guys in the world that we can afford to let one of the best go down the tubes.” She looked out at the dawn, which was now a bold and flaming statement. “And if Jelak doesn’t call soon, I’ll go crazy. I’m going to go in the house and see Eve trying not to show how much this is tearing her up.” She got to her feet. “And I’ll want to kill Jelak. If you can think of a way that we can arrange that, I’m ready to listen.”
He murmured. “I assure you I’m working on it . . .” She opened the screen door. “Work harder.”
EVE’S PHONE DIDN’T RING until after two that afternoon.
She saw Jane and Caleb come to attention on the couch across the room. She braced herself and punched the button.
“Have you been waiting for me?” Jelak asked. “I would have called earlier, but I had a few arrangements to make. You’re very special, and I had to prepare for the final stage of my transformation.”
“You shot Joe.”
“Of course, he had to be punished. He shed my blood. It could have been a terrible inconvenience. But I’ve faith in myself. No one could ever tell me the exact amount of true blood I’d need for my resurrection. Donari could only say my mind would tell me when I was ready. In spite of the slight loss, I still feel very strong. With you, I’ll be ready. I have no doubt of it.”
“I don’t care about your damn blood. Is Joe still alive?”
“Yes, I had no intention of killing him yet. But I would have been able to be more accurate if Nancy Jo’s father hadn’t shown up and gotten in the way. That was completely unexpected. I had to hurry because I was afraid some of his aides might be hovering around him.”
“How badly is Joe hurt?”
“A crease in his temple. Not nearly enough blood spilt to satisfy me after what he took from me. Though pain is nearly as good.”
“I want to talk to him.”
“Presently. We have negotiating to do. A gift for a gift.”
“You’re not going to release Joe no matter what I do.”
“How can you be sure? I’ve had my revenge. He’s not important to me. I’m sure Caleb has told you that he’d be no good to me even to feed. On the other hand, he could give me what I want most in the world.”
“You’re a monster. I can’t trust a monster.”
“But you have no choice.” His voice lowered to persuasive silkiness. “And in the end, wouldn’t the possibility give you an excuse to take what you want?”
“I don’t know what you mean.”
“I’ve studied you for years. Your phrasing when you answer questions. Your expressions to given situations. That’s how I knew that you were perfect for the final resurrection.”
“So?”
“You want this. You’re tired of searching for your Bonnie. You want it over. You want your life over. That’s why you’re so perfect for me. There will be joy when you come to me.”
“You’re mad.”
“No, my mind is keen and sharp because I’m so close to the resurrection. In your heart of hearts you know that it’s true. I only have to give you a reason to do it.”
“Give me a reason. I want to talk to Joe.”
He sighed. “Unfortunately, I can’t do that yet. He’s being very stubborn. He won’t talk to you. I’ve hurt him exceedingly, but he said he won’t let himself be used.”
“He’s already dead.”
“You see? I knew you’d think that I was lying. That’s why I’m irritated with Quinn. I didn’t want this delay. I suppose I could send a photo to your phone, but you’d assume it was doctored. No, I have to find a way to convince
