was like most girls she'd be looking over her shoulder for the rest of her life.”
“She's not like most girls. She'll be fine.”
“I hope so. But it went on for too long. It hurt her and I can't stand that. I want her back home living a normal life.”
“A few more days won't matter.”
“It will matter to me.” She took the glass eyes out of the reconstruction. “I want out of here and this is the last thing I have to do to cut our ties. I have to give Giulia her true face and hand her over to Trevor to take back to the museum.” She carefully began to erase the features she'd created. The depth was accurate and she mustn't change that as she did the final sculpting. “So leave me alone and let me get to it. It's going to be a long night.”
“I'll hang out and keep you company.”
She shook her head. “If you want to help, phone and make our airline reservations out of here for tomorrow night. And then talk to the Italian authorities and make sure that they're not going to put any barriers up to keep us here.”
“They already took our statements. And I pulled a few strings to get them to leave it at that for the moment.”
“Be sure. I have to have an end to it.” She added wearily, “Dear God, and my Jane has to have an end to it.”
He nodded. “I'm on my way.”
Smooth.
Work fast. Don't think. Let Giulia's face tell the story.
More curve to the upper lip.
Smooth.
More definition beneath the cheekbone.
Smooth.
Her hands were moving quickly, deftly over Giulia's face.
Keep your mind empty.
Should the nose be shorter? It seemed right.
We're almost there. Just a little more over the brow.
No, that was wrong.
“Help me, Giulia. You've been lost for too long.”
Smooth.
Her fingertips were hot, though the clay was cool.
Smooth.
Tell me. They said you were a worker but that's not enough. You need a face so we'll be able to
Smooth.
That's it, help me.
A little more.
Done!
She drew a deep breath and took a step back. “It's the best I can do, Giulia. I hope I got it— Oh, my God.” She closed her eyes, and whispered, “Dear God in heaven.”
I want out of here, Eve.” Jane scowled. “The emergency room should have checked me out and let me go last night. There's nothing wrong with me. You're the one the tunnel fell on.”
“But I got by with bruises.” Eve filled Jane's water glass and handed it to her. “You had cuts, a strained shoulder, and loss of blood from that leg wound. Incidentally, the doctor said that you'd aggravated that shoulder injury by tossing those rocks around to get me out.”
“It didn't hurt.” She amended as she saw Eve's skeptical expression, “Much.” She took a sip of water and set it down. “When can you get me sprung?”
“This afternoon. And Joe made reservations on the midnight flight tonight. We're going home.”
“Good. You're sure you're feeling okay?”
“Jane, I'm fine. Joe is fine. That's the third time you asked that today. Now stop fretting. It's not like you.”
“I've never been responsible for nearly getting both of you killed before.” She reached for her hand. “I'm sorry. I'd never have forgiven myself if you'd really been hurt.”
“It was our choice. We'd do it again.” She smiled as she squeezed her hand. “We couldn't get along without you. Like I told you, family is everything.”
“Not when I almost got you—” She stopped as Eve's hand covered her lips.
“Hush,” she said. “It wasn't easy for you to crawl through that tunnel in the dark to get to me. Why did you do it?”
“You needed me.”
“I rest my case.” She stood up. “Now I don't want to hear any more about it. Okay?”
She swallowed to ease the tightness of her throat. “Okay. But you can't stop me from thinking.” She drew a deep breath. “Where's Trevor? I haven't heard anything from him since he and Bartlett dug us out of the passage.”
“I saw him this morning before I came to the hospital. He picked up Giulia to return her to the museum.”
“But you didn't finish her.”
“Yes, I did. Last night. I worked all night to complete her. It wasn't that difficult. I'd done all the basic measurements. I only had to do a final.”
Jane smiled as she shook her head. “Only you would decide to do a reconstruction after you were dug out of a cave-in.”
“It was important to me.” Her hand tightened around Jane's. “I wanted this nightmare over. I
“I understand. Me, too. After I call Sam Drake and give him his scoop, I'll be glad to put an end to all of this. What did she look like? Was she pretty?”
Eve looked away. “Not really pretty. She had a strong, interesting face.”
“And Trevor took her back already?” She paused. “He hasn't been by to see me. Not that I really expected him.”
“I imagine he's trying to stay out of Joe's way.”
“He thinks Joe will arrest him? He saved your life. He probably saved mine, too.”
“It would probably be more comfortable for Joe if he just disappeared. Then he wouldn't have to make a decision.”
“He won't stay around for long. He's got what he wanted.” She added, “But it wouldn't have hurt him to say good-bye.”
“Sometimes it does,” Bartlett said from the doorway. “Take me. I'm feeling very sad to say good-bye to you, Jane.” He came forward and took her hand. “But good friends never say permanent farewells, do they?”
“Are you going back home to London?” Eve asked.
“I'm considering it.” He smiled. “Or I may tag along with Trevor for a while. Life is never boring with him.”
“Where is he going?” Jane asked.
“I have no idea. You'll have to ask him.” He turned to Eve. “Good-bye. Thank you for all your kindness.”
Eve gave him a quick hug. “Take care. Call me if you need anything.” She brushed a kiss on Jane's forehead. “I'll pick you up at two this afternoon.”
“I'll be ready. 'Bye.” Jane watched her leave the room before turning back to Bartlett. “I'm not going to have the chance to ask Trevor anything, am I?”
“You might. Although it would be wiser for him to fade into the sunset.”
