had come out of nowhere, and its thorns were still tearing at her.
She should be used to those moments now. They came less often now, but they were still there waiting to emerge from the shadows.
So many shadows…
But she didn’t want to think of shadows today. The sun was shining brightly, and even now Catherine was driving up the road toward the cottage.
Eve opened the door and went out onto the porch.
Catherine looked wonderful, she thought, as the woman got out of the car. Sleek and gorgeous, and that terrible tension was gone from her demeanor. She turned to Luke and smiled and said something. So much love, it glowed from her expression.
And Luke smiled back! Just a little smile, but it was definitely a smile.
Eve wanted to cheer.
“I told him that he had to put away his book, or you’d throw him in the lake, Joe,” Catherine said, as she came toward Kelly and Joe. “And he told me that was okay, he liked the water.”
“I was just in a good part.” But Luke stuffed the paperback into the back pocket of his jeans. “Hello, Kelly. Mr. Quinn.”
“Joe,” Joe said. “And if you really want a swim, there are some trunks that might fit you at the cottage. Though I agree skinny-dipping is more fun. You’re looking better than the last time I saw you.”
He did look better, Eve thought. He had put on weight, and his jeans and shirt fit smoothly over that thin, wiry frame. He still appeared alert and guarded, but perhaps that wariness had lessened a little?
Luke was ignoring that last comment. “I’d like to go swimming.”
“Go and see Eve first, Luke,” Kelly said. “Stop thinking about yourself. You’re her guest. Do it.”
Eve smothered a laugh. Kelly was starting with him as she had left off. Blunt, honest, no holds barred.
“Don’t tell me what to do.” He looked up at Eve, standing on the porch. “I wanted to see her.”
“I’m flattered.” She was still chuckling as she watched Kelly and Luke walk up the stairs. “Since you didn’t bother to say good-bye.”
“I didn’t think I needed to do it. That didn’t change anything.” He was standing before her. “Sometimes I don’t know things. Catherine is trying to teach me, and I learn a lot from the books, but I make mistakes.” He stared her in the eye, and said gravely, “Hello, Eve, I’m glad to see you.”
“Stiff as a board,” Kelly said.
“Sincere,” Eve said. “Leave him alone, Kelly.” To Luke, she said, “I’m very happy to see you, too. Now go down the hall to the linen closet in the bathroom and see if you can find a swimsuit that will fit you.” He started to go into the house, then stopped as he saw Kelly’s computer and notebook lying on the porch swing. He went over to the swing and looked down at the note pad. “Patterns? Catherine told me about what you do. It’s interesting.”
“Like a book?” Kelly smiled. “But it applies to everyday life, too. It’s real, Luke.”
“Is it?”
“Yes, everything that happens to us causes a pattern to form, turns us into what we’re going to be, what we’re going to do.”
He continued to look down at the notebook. “You’re saying that what happened to me with Rakovac could cause me to keep doing what he-” He violently shook his head. “No, I
“He’s still in your mind,” Kelly said. “Believe what you please. He’s part of your pattern.”
“Kelly,” Eve said warningly.
“They don’t want me to disturb you,” Kelly said. “Eve and Catherine want you treated with kid gloves. You don’t want that, do you, Luke? And I don’t want that for Catherine. I can’t stand the thought of her having to tiptoe around you.”
“What are you saying?”
“I’m saying if you want to get rid of Rakovac and all that baggage forever, you have to trace the pattern from the beginning. From the time you were taken from Catherine. You have to do what I do, look at what happened, then see where it takes you next.” She held his gaze. “I’ll help you chart it, Luke. I’m really good at patterns.”
He stared at her for a moment, then whirled and went into the house.
Eve shook her head. “Why, Kelly?”
“Because it’s my time now.” She shifted her glance from the door to Eve’s face. “Because I like Luke and I love Catherine and I can help them mend. I told you once that I was trying to find a reason, something worthwhile, in this so-called wonderful gift I have.”
“You found Luke. What’s more valuable than that?”
“Maybe to help them find each other?” Kelly shrugged. “I don’t know. I can look at all Luke’s scars without it hurting me too much. Catherine couldn’t do that. I can be the buffer. When you chart a pattern, you have to delve deep, learn everything about what’s causing it. Sound familiar? Sort of like what goes on when you go to a psychiatrist for therapy? Only I’m no psychiatrist, I can only help Luke help himself. It may be enough. It could be that’s the reason Catherine and I came together in the beginning. I just think it’s my time, and this is what I should do.”
Eve reached out and gently touched the curve of Kelly’s cheek. “It’s part of your pattern?”
“Yes.” She smiled unsteadily. “And you’ve been a big part of it, too. I…care about you, Eve. I hope I haven’t been in the way too much.”
“Listen,” Eve said. “You’ve never been in the way. You enriched us.” She kissed her on the cheek. “And your damn pattern had better be intertwining with ours from now on.” She took her hand and pulled her toward the stairs. “Come on. We need to go see Catherine. You’ve spent enough time harassing her son.”
“He’d better get used to it. He gets enough tender loving care from the rest of you. He doesn’t really understand it. Having to argue and fight with me will be good for him.” She followed Eve down the steps. “I guarantee it.”
“He’s been very quiet, Eve.” Catherine’s gaze was on Luke, who had just finishing eating his barbecued steak and was sitting beneath a tree beside the lake. Joe motioned to him from the barbecue pit, and Luke jumped up and went to help. “He hasn’t spoken to Kelly all afternoon.”
“Are you blaming Kelly?”
“For Pete’s sake, no. Kelly did what she thought was right. And I am overprotective. I can’t bear the thought of losing Luke again.” She made a face. “And you can’t even call Kelly’s attitude tough love. She’s just doing what Kelly does.”
“You’re still going to take her with you?”
Catherine gazed at her in astonishment. “Of course I am. I meant what I said to her. Do you think because she and Luke are having differences that I’d change my mind? I love them both. They can work it out for themselves. She told you that she’d be the buffer, but that may end up being my job.” She looked out at the lake, now bathed in a golden twilight sheen. “It’s getting dark. Kelly!” she called to the girl who was sitting at a picnic table a few yards from the barbecue pit. As usual, Kelly was working on her computer, with notebooks scattered around her. “How can you see? Come up here where you can turn on the lights.”
“Just a minute,” Kelly called, her eyes on the computer screen. “I think I’ve found-”
“Eve wants you to come.” Luke was suddenly beside Kelly. “You’re her guest. Do it.”
Eve stiffened. Almost the exact words Kelly had spoken to Luke. What was happening?
Kelly looked at Luke. “You’re right.” She closed down her computer. “I’m coming, Eve.” She started to gather her notebooks.
“I’ll help you.” Luke was stacking the notebooks in a neat pile. He picked them up and started for the porch.
“Wait for me.” Kelly grabbed the computer and ran to keep up with him. “What is this?”
“I’m interested.” He looked straight ahead. “Venable thinks this pattern stuff can help catch Rakovac’s partner? I want to see how you do it. I’ll watch you while you’re working.”
“I don’t like to be watched.”
“I’ll watch you.” He paused as they reached the porch. “You said you had to start at the beginning with me. Is that what you’re doing with Dabala?”
