“Wouldn’t put it past him,” Eve said. “But I’ve watched him on that thing. You just can’t beat him.”
She’d hoped the casual, somewhat cheerful tone would keep Nixie in the game mood. But as soon as the kid stepped down from the stool, she stared at Eve, the question in her gaze clear.
“No.” Eve spoke tersely now. “Not yet. When I get them, you’ll be the first to know.”
“Hello, Nixie.” Mira stepped up to the machine. “You may not have gotten high score, but that looks very impressive to me.”
“It’s not good enough.”
“When it’s the best you can do, it’s good enough. But maybe Roarke will play it with you sometime. Maybe he’ll show you some of his tricks.”
A spark of interest lit her face. “Do you think?”
“You can ask him and see. Hello, Officer Trueheart.”
“Dr. Mira. Nice to see you.”
“Do you know all the police?” Nixie wanted to know.
“No, not all. But quite a few. I’d like to talk to you again, Nixie, but first I wonder if you could show me how to play that machine. It looks like fun.”
“I guess. If you want.”
“I do. I’ll need to turn off the screen first.”
“But it’s Mavis. She’s the ult.”
“Oh, I think so, too.” Mira smiled at the cool suspicion in Nixie’s eyes. “I have quite a few of her discs myself. Did you know Lieutenant Dallas and Mavis are friends? Very good friends.”
“Get back!” Then she bit her lip. “Excuse me, I’m not supposed to sass adults.”
“That’s all right. You were just surprised. Eve?”
“Huh?” She’d been wondering why seeing a mostly naked Mavis, and company, on-screen was inappropriate for a kid who’d seen murder up close and personal. “Oh, yeah. Yeah, Mavis and I are pals.”
“You talk to her, in person?”
“Well, sure.”
“Does she ever come here, right to the house?”
“All the time.” Eve was treated to that long, unblinking stare again. Shifted her stance. Thought about security and procedure. Felt her bones start to burn under that stare. “Listen, if I can swing it, and she’s not busy, I’ll see if she can come by sometime. You can meet her and . . . whatever.”
“For real?”
“No, for false. Jesus, kid.”
“You’re not supposed to swear in front of me.” Nixie informed her of this, quite primly.
“Then turn around so I can swear behind you. You straight here now?” Eve asked, just a little desperately, of Mira. “I’ve got work.”
“We’re fine.”
“Trueheart, with me.”
“Yes, sir. See you later, Nixie.”
But before she got to the door, Nixie trotted up behind her. “Dallas. They all call you Dallas,” she said when Eve looked back. “Except for her. For the doctor.”