Survivor in Death Read Online Free PDF Page A

silence.
    “She’s not dead because you’re not. This is going to be hard on the Dysons, just like it is on you. But you know who’s to blame for what happened.”
    Nixie looked up now, and those quiet blue eyes hardened like glass. “The men with the knives.”
    “Yeah. Do you know what hotel?”
    “The Palace, because it’s the best, Mr. Dyson said.”
    “Okay.” It was the best, Eve thought, because it was one of Roarke’s. She shot him a look, got a nod.
    “I’ll clear the way.”
    “Thanks. I’ve got to go,” she said to Nixie. “You’re going to hang with Summerset.”
    “The men with knives could come looking for me.”
    “I don’t think so, but if they do, they can’t get in. There’s a gate, and it’s secure, and the house is secure. And Summerset? I know he looks like a bony, ugly old man, but he’s tough, and you’re safe with him. This is the deal if you’re staying here,” she added as she rose. “It’s the best I’ve got.”
    “You’re coming back.”
    “I live here, remember? Peabody, with me.”
    “Her bag’s right here.” Peabody gestured to the duffle she’d packed. “Nixie, if I forgot anything you want, or you need something else, you can have Summerset contact me. We’ll get it for you.”
    Eve’s last look was of the child sitting on the floor between the two men, and seeking comfort from the cat.
    The minute she was outside, Eve rolled her shoulders, rolled the weight off. “Jesus” was all she said.
    “I can’t imagine what’s going on inside that kid.”
    “I can. I’m alone, I’m scared and hurt, and nothing makes sense. And I’m surrounded by strangers.” It made her sick, just a little sick, but she pushed past it. “Check in with EDD, see where they are.”
    As she drove back toward the gate, Eve used the dash ’link to contact Dr. Charlotte Mira, at home.
    “Sorry. I know it’s early.”
    “No, I was up.”
    On screen Eve could see Mira dab a white towel at her soft sable hair. There was a dew—either sweat or water—on her face.
    “Doing my morning yoga. What’s the matter?”
    “Multiple homicide—home invasion. An entire family, save the nine year-old daughter. Sleepover friend murdered through mistaken ID. Kid’s a witness. I’ve got her stashed at my place.”
    “Yours?”
    “Fill you in later, but that’s how it stands. I’m heading over to notify next of kin on the daughter’s friend.”
    “God’s pity.”
    “I know you’ve probably got a full slate, but I’m going to need to interview this kid today. I’m going to need a shrink—sorry.”
    “No problem.”
    “I’m going to need a psychiatrist on hand, one who’s got experience with children and police procedure.”
    “What time do you want me?”
    “Thanks.” And relief rolled in where the weight had rolled off. “I’d prefer you, but if you’re squeezed I’ll take your best recommendation.”
    “I’ll make room.”
    “Ah.” Eve checked her wrist unit, tried to gauge the timing. “Can we make it noon? I’ve got a lot to push through before then.”
    “Noon.” Mira began to make notes in a mini memo book. “What’s her condition?”
    “She wasn’t injured.”
    “Emotional condition.”
    “Ah, she’s fair, I guess.”
    “Is she able to communicate?”
    “Yeah. I’m going to need an eval for Child Protection Services. I’m going to need a lot of things for the red tape brigade. I’m on borrowed time here since I went over the rep’s head. Have to notify the supervisor there. Soon.”
    “Then I’ll let you get to it, and see you at noon.”
    “EDD’s on scene,” Peabody said when Eve ended transmission. “Their team’s going through security and checking ’links and data centers on site. They’ll transport the units to Central.”
    “Okay. Next of kin on the other vics?”
    “Grant Swisher’s parents divorced. Father’s whereabouts currently unknown. Mother remarried—third time—and living on Vegas II. Works as a