Survivor in Death (In Death 20)

“Full security.”

“Without question.”

“I’ll get back as soon as I can, work out of here as much as possible. Right now, we need to go notify the parents of the minor female vic. Peabody, you have the Dysons’ address?”

“They’re not home.” Nixie spoke with her voice muffled against Galahad’s fur.

“Nothing wrong with your hearing,” Eve commented, and walked across the foyer. “Where are they?”

“They went to a big hotel, for their anniversary. That’s why we could have a sleepover on a school night, me and Linnie. Now you have to tell them she’s dead instead of me.”

“Not instead of. If you’d been in the room, you’d both be dead. Where does that get you?”

“Lieutenant.” The irritated shock in Summerset’s voice had her doing no more than lifting a hand to jab a finger at him for silence.

“She’s not de

ad 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?”