Sleep No More

CHAPTER

5

JOE MUST BE WRONG, Eve thought as she studied Kendra Michaels’s expression through the one-way window. She was sitting beside a little six-year-old boy while he played the xylophone. Joe had called her a tough lady, but this woman’s face was alight with eagerness, intelligence, and understanding as she focused all her attention on the child’s complete intentness as he played the instrument. She was of medium height and slim but far from fragile-looking. Pale brown hair was shoulder-length and sun-streaked and framed a strong face that reflected control and discipline. Large hazel eyes set far apart shone with intelligence and humor as she watched the boy. Kendra wasn’t a beautiful woman, but her smile was beautiful.

Kendra finally put a gentle hand out to stop the boy. “It’s time for you to go, Justin. Your mama is outside waiting.”

He ignored her, still pounding the keys. She held out her hand and took the stick. He started to fight her, then was still, staring up into her face. “Pretty?”

She nodded. “Very pretty, Justin. Beautiful. Next time, it will be even more beautiful because while you’re at home, you’ll hear the sound and the notes in your mind. Then when we get together, you’ll let me hear them, too.” Her finger reached out and traced the outline of his mouth. “A smile can be beautiful, too. It can be like a song that goes on and on and echoes inside you and around you. Maybe you’ll let me hear that song, too?”

His intent expression didn’t change.

She smiled. “No?” She took his hand. “Think about it.” She put his fingers on her lips. “I’ll give you my song. Here it is. I’ll be waiting for you to give me yours.”

He didn’t move, his gaze on her face. Then he jerked away and ran toward the door across the room.

Kendra stayed by the xylophone. “Good-bye, Justin. I’ll see you in two days.”

He stopped at the door and looked back at her. Then he was suddenly running back to her.

Kendra smiled as he stopped before her. “Yes?”

He reached out a tentative finger and slowly traced the outline of her smile. “Pretty … song…” Then he whirled and was running back to the door and out of the studio.

The smile remained for an instant while her gaze lingered on the door. Then it faded as she stood up and began to tidy the studio. “You might as well come in, Quinn. You’re on the clock. I have another student in thirty minutes, and I won’t keep her waiting.”

Kendra’s tone was completely different from the way she had spoken to the little boy. It was crisp, cool, and there was a distinct edge. Her demeanor had the same coolness, and that warm, affectionate magnetism that had been present when she’d been interacting with little Justin had disappeared.

Joe wasn’t wrong. Kendra was, indeed, one tough lady.

“You heard her,” Joe murmured as he got to his feet and headed to the door that led from the booth to Kendra’s main studio. “We’re on the clock. Let’s get moving.”

Eve followed him into the studio. “By all means.”

“Hello, Quinn.” Kendra looked beyond him to Eve. “Who is she? My appointment was with you.”

“But the job that we’re asking you to do is for her. Eve Duncan, Dr. Kendra Michaels.”

“I’m very glad to meet you,” Eve said. “Joe seems to think that you can help us. I’d be very grateful if you’d try.”

“No, it’s not going to happen,” Kendra said. “Quinn knew the answer before he even brought you here. In our last encounter, he backed me into a corner and manipulated me to get what he wanted. In the end, it was for a good cause, but it’s not going to happen again.”

“You haven’t heard what we want,” Eve said. “And if Joe manipulated you, he had good reason.” She met her gaze. “You must have thought the same thing, or you wouldn’t have allowed it to happen. Joe said you’re tough, but you weren’t tough enough to let a serial killer be free to kill and kill again. I watched you with that little boy, and I don’t think that you’re as hard as you’re pretending. Joe seems to believe you can do what we need, but I have my doubts. It all sounds pretty bizarre. Now listen, and I’ll tell you the situation and what we want from you.”

Kendra held Eve’s gaze for an instant, then she glanced at her watch. “You have twenty minutes. I’ll hear you out but I’m sure my answer won’t change. I’m incredibly busy with my work.”

She wasn’t budging, Eve thought with frustration. “In the end, that’s your decision.” She briefly and concisely outlined Sandra’s story and what they’d found out about the hospital and Beth’s mental impairment and the Avery connection.

Kendra looked at Eve without expression after she’d fallen silent. “That’s everything?”

“Yes.” Eve wasn’t about to bring up the dreams she’d had about Beth running for her life. It would just be another reason for Kendra to refuse. “And it should be enough for you.”

“It’s enough for me to see why you’re so concerned. But you don’t really have much to go on.” She glanced at Joe. “You’re not talking much. I’m surprised you’re leaving it all up to her.”

He smiled at Eve. “She can handle it.”

“Can she?” Her glance shifted back to Eve. “The answer is still no. Sorry.”

Eve felt a rush of irritation mixed with pure anger at the woman’s stubbornness. “Why not, dammit? Listen, we just want you to go with us to the hospital and take a look around. If Joe is right about you, you could be a big help up there, especially if we can manage to see her room. No big deal. It shouldn’t take you long just to try.”

“It would be a day away from my students, and that can seem a lifetime to some of these kids. I’m near a breakthrough with two of them. Justin’s very close.” She added fiercely, “Do you know that he hasn’t smiled or cried in three years? He’s been locked in an emotional vacuum. I’m not going to let him take a step back just because you want me to play your game.”

“Your game,” Joe corrected. “You set the rules, Kendra. Most of the time, I can’t even see through your hijinks to where you’re going.”

“It’s not hijinks. It’s just observation,” Kendra said impatiently. “And I don’t have time for it. I have a passion in life, and it’s the work I do here. I never wanted to play at being a detective. That’s your passion in life, Quinn, not mine.”

Eve was getting impatient. “Joe, this is ridiculous. I refuse to beg her to do something I don’t even have faith she can do. Is she really worth it?”

Joe nodded. “She’s worth it.”

She was silent a moment before turning back to Kendra. “Okay, then you’ve got to do it.”

Kendra’s brows rose. “Really? And how are you going to ensure that?”

“You’ll do it because you have no choice. Everyone responds to their own personal drummer. You may be as tough as Joe says you are, but you did what was right about helping him track down that killer because he struck the right note. You couldn’t stand the thought of helpless children being possible victims. And you have a career that enables you to protect helpless children from their own disabilities.”

“And your point is?”

“You can’t resist fighting for those who are young or helpless, it’s part of your DNA.”

“Interesting analysis. But Beth Avery is no child and may not even be a victim.”

“But what if she is a victim?” She took a step closer to Kendra, and her voice vibrated with intensity. “Yes, you’re drawn to children, but I believe that fighting for Beth Avery may be just as appealing to you. Because if she was kept prisoner all those years, it would be a hideous crime. Can you imagine it? Joe told me that you went a little wild after you gained your sight. Tell me, did it seem like getting out of prison not to be blind any longer?”

She didn’t speak for a moment. “You’re very good, Eve Duncan. While I was blind I tried to do everything, hone every sense, so that it wouldn’t be a prison. I didn’t realize I hadn’t succeeded until that surgeon took off my bandages.”

“Beth Avery has been in that hospital since she was seventeen. The drugs she was given didn’t allow her to even try to keep it from being a prison. Don’t you think she should have someone just check to see if she deserves to be in that place? Joe thinks something shady is going on. That surgeon set you free. You could help us do the same for Beth Avery, dammit.”

Kendra shook her head. “I don’t want to do this.”

Eve could see the beginning of a crack in her resistance. “I can understand that you have priorities. We can work it out.”

Kendra was silent for a long moment. “What exactly do you want from me?”

“As Eve said, we want you to go there with us,” Joe said quickly. “To see the hospital, her room, and the staff. We want your impressions.”

Kendra’s expression didn’t change, Eve noticed. Was she actually considering it?

“In the meantime, we’ll also be looking for a way to access the computer medical records on Beth Avery. We want to see if she had a reason to run away from that hospital. We want to verify that the patient they’ve produced that they claim is Beth Avery is a ringer. We want to know everything we can find out about her in the quickest amount of time.”

“You’re not going to find all that in her medical records.”

“Exactly,” Joe said. “That’s why we need you.”

Kendra smiled, and, for the first time, Eve glimpsed the faintest hint of the warmth she had shown her student. But only a flash; and then it was gone. “I’m glad I impressed you on our last case, Quinn, but I’m not a miracle worker. I can’t see what’s not there.”

“If you tell me there’s nothing, then I’ll believe there’s nothing. But I’ll only believe it if you give it a shot and tell me that.”

She was silent. “It better not take long. I don’t have time to waste on this.”

“You’ll do it?” Eve asked.

“I didn’t say that. I’ll consider it. I’ll let you know.” She turned away. “Now please get out of here. I have to study my notes on my next patient.”

“You need to let us know soon,” Eve said. “There may not be much time to—”

“If you’re pushing me for an immediate answer, then it’s no,” Kendra said sharply. “I said I’d think about it, which is more consideration than I give 90 percent of the people who want me to leave my work to help out on their cases. I’m more aware of time constraints than you are. I have an appointment with Justin day after tomorrow that I’ve got to keep. I’m not even sure going to that hospital isn’t a complete waste of time.”

“And I’m not sure that bringing you in to help isn’t a complete waste of time,” Eve said with equal sharpness. “You’ll have to show me. But if we’re going to do it, let’s do it right. Stop dithering.” She turned toward the door. “Come on, Joe.”

“I don’t dither.” Kendra’s hands were clenched at her sides. “And I’m never a waste of time. Show you? Where the hell do you get the nerve to demand that I perform like some Vegas acrobat?”

“I didn’t demand anything,” Eve said as she opened the door. “I just displayed some good old American skepticism. Call us when you get around to making up your mind.”

“Wait.” Kendra was glaring at Eve. “If that was your attempt to goad me, don’t bother. Hardly a day goes by that some detective or federal agent doesn’t interrupt my workday to beg for my help, then insult me by saying I probably couldn’t have helped them anyway. As if that will somehow make me desperate to prove myself.” Kendra leaned against the table. “But you … You’ve annoyed me just enough so that I’m going to get the last word even though it’s quite clear to me that’s something you’re not accustomed to.” She paused. “Just as it’s clear to me you two are sleeping together.”

Eve tried not to let the surprise register on her face.

Kendra crossed her arms across her chest. “Although I don’t believe you slept together last night. You were in Atlanta, weren’t you, Eve? You flew here this morning, but Quinn wasn’t with you. I’m guessing he picked you up at the airport just a short while ago. Don’t you live together?”

“We do, but I’ve been here in California for a couple days,” Joe said.

“Ah, that explains it. You’re a little out of your element on this case, aren’t you, Eve? You’re much more accustomed to talking to the dead. Or, I suppose, letting the dead talk to you.”

Eve inhaled sharply. How in hell … The dead? Bonnie? Was she talking about Bonnie? Her gaze flew to Joe’s face. “You told her about—”

He was shaking his head and mouthing a silent “no.”

“You’re a forensic sculptor,” Kendra said. “With your help, the dead tell you all their secrets, don’t they?”

Eve let out the breath she hadn’t realized she had been holding. Not Bonnie. But Kendra’s meaning was only a little less startling than the alternative.

“I’ve always admired people who can do that,” Kendra said. “You must be very talented.”

“Right back at you,” Eve said, trying not to sound as dazed as she felt. “Are you sure you’re not psychic?”

“Positive.” Kendra turned away. “Now leave me alone. I’ll let you know what I decide. I still have your cell number, Quinn. Or would you prefer I call you at the Docket Cove Hotel?”

Eve turned to Joe. “Is that where we’re staying?”

Joe nodded. “But I didn’t tell her. And there are at least five hotels between there and here.”

“More like a dozen,” Kendra said.

Eve didn’t move and slowly shook her head. “I’m not leaving until you tell me how you knew all that.” She thought about it. “You probably found out Joe was coming, and you researched us or asked around. Is that it?”

Kendra smiled. “I value my time a lot more than that, Eve. Until you walked through that door, I wasn’t even aware that you existed. But I did know Quinn, and I remembered that he was always somewhat guarded with his personal space. Especially with women. He always kept his face a good six to eight inches farther away from women than he did with men.”

“What?” Joe said. “Seriously?”

“I’m sure you’re not even aware you do it. I don’t think you’re afraid of women, but subconsciously you may be wary of leading them on. A handsome man like you, it’s probably happened a time or two. But with Eve, I saw you crash through every barrier I ever saw you set for yourself. And instead of backing away slightly, as most colleagues or even friends tend to do, Eve leaned forward. Even though the two of you haven’t so much as touched hands since you’ve been here, it’s pretty obvious what’s going on between you.”

“How do you know we weren’t together last night?” Eve asked.

“You’re not going to like this.”

“How?”

“Because I’m afraid that you smell, Eve.”

Eve’s eyes widened. “I beg your pardon?”

“Have you ever stepped onto an airplane and breathed in that awful stale odor of recycled air?”

Eve nodded. “Of course.”

“That’s how you smell to me right now. A lot of that air actually comes through the engines, then is recycled throughout the cabin. Depending on the aircraft, it can sometimes smell like a mixture of jet fuel and bad breath.”

“And that’s how I smell?” She grimaced. “How very unpleasant.”

“Don’t worry, you won’t offend anyone. It’s so faint that no one but me would even be aware of it. But Quinn has no trace of that odor.”

“Go on. What else?”

Kendra pointed down at Eve’s shoes. “There’s the slightest trace of red Georgia earth on the sides of your shoes and spattering the cuff of your pant leg. It could have come from Tennessee or Alabama, I suppose, but knowing that Quinn is from Georgia, it wasn’t much of a stretch to think you’d also come from there. The earth is still fairly fresh, not too dry or cracked, suggesting it was just put there this morning. Quinn’s shoes, though, are spotless. And unless he’s in a crime scene, I know for a fact that he’s not too careful where he walks. He strides through the world as if he owns it. Even before I caught a whiff of your scent, I figured he came from someplace else this morning.”

“Impressive,” Eve murmured.

“What else? Oh, yes, your profession.” Kendra walked over to Eve, took her hands, and spread her palms open. “You have faint stains on both of your hands. Dye from a polymer-based sculpting clay.”

“How do you know I’m not a rising star of the art world?”

Kendra studied Eve’s hands for a moment longer with an intensity that was vaguely unsettling to Eve. She was a private person, and she didn’t like feeling this transparent to another individual. What else was this woman going to find out about her? Yet she couldn’t deny that the revelations were totally fascinating. And so was Kendra Michaels.

“At first glance, I considered the possibility,” Kendra said. “But I rejected it when I saw that you almost exclusively use flesh-colored clay. That fact tilts the scales quite a bit. But I also noticed the tiny callused nubs, on each hand near the tips of your thumb and forefinger. Too small for pen, stylus, or almost any other tool. But just the right size and placement for those spherical-headed spacer pins you’d use in facial reconstruction. I once worked a case with a forensic sculptor here in San Diego whose hands looked very similar, Patrick Chicoin.”

“I’ve met him,” Eve said. “He’s very good.”

“So I’ve been told.” Kendra dropped Eve’s hands and her gaze slid away from her. “That’s all. We’re done.”

Eve stiffened. “No, we’re not. There’s something else besides calluses and clay stains, isn’t there?”

Kendra raised her gaze to Eve’s face. “Yes, sometimes you have to go beyond the purely physical evidence. There’s a darkness inside you that’s visible for anyone to see. It all fits together.” She shrugged. “I didn’t expect you to be perceptive enough to catch that particular nuance. No offense. You asked.”

“Yes, I did.” Eve smiled with an effort. “And I beg to differ. I don’t believe I’m that transparent to everyone. You’re fairly incredible.” She turned to Joe. “You were right.”

“Of course I was.”

“My student will be here any minute,” Kendra said. “I’ve wasted enough time. Will you just leave me to my work?”

Eve turned back to Kendra. “Okay, we’re going. But there’s no way I’ll leave you alone now. You’re amazing, and you can be useful.”

“If I change my mind—and I don’t think I will—I know where to find you.”

“Yes, you do,” Joe said. “How did you know about the Docket Cove Hotel? I stayed there last night, but I know I didn’t tell you.”

Kendra walked across her studio and opened the door for them. “It’s the only hotel in the area that insists on giving their guests those long brass door keys. Some of my clients have stayed there. I’m sure the hotel thinks those keys are more charming than plastic keycards, but they’re much less secure.” She pointed to Joe’s pants pocket. “The key is clipped on your rental-car key ring, which I saw you put away as you walked in here.”

Eve smiled faintly. “Now you’re just showing off.”

“Maybe a little.”

Eve stared her directly in the eye. “I can be as determined and stubborn as you are, you know. You’ll get tired of saying no to me. We’ll work it out.” She turned and walked out of the studio before Kendra could answer.

“I feel as if I’ve gone through a tornado.” Joe was chuckling as he fell into step with her as they went out to the car. “Though I should have expected it when I brought two strong women together and set them against each other.”

“And then stepped back and let me handle the battle,” she said dryly. “Why?”

“I thought you had a better chance with her. She was already antagonistic toward me.” He opened the car door for her. “And you did well.”

“Sparks. Lots of sparks.” She added thoughtfully, “But she’s astonishing. She could help us, Joe.”

“That’s what I told you. And that was a minor demonstration. I’ve seen her do things that were positively stunning.”

“And she’ll be difficult.” She gestured impatiently. “But that doesn’t matter. You’re right, Joe, she’s worth it.” She looked back at the studio. “Look, we have some time. I’m going to go to the hotel to shower and wash my hair. Then we’ll—stop laughing, Joe.”

“It’s amusing. I knew that you wouldn’t be able to keep from washing her criticism away.” He sniffed teasingly. “Even though it’s totally unnecessary. I can’t smell even the faintest hint of jet fuel about you.”

“But she could, so it must be there. I’ll just make sure to get rid of it.” She added thoughtfully, “And I’ve been wondering what it must be like to be surrounded by obnoxious scents that no one else even notices.”

“It could work the other way, too. Some scents are wonderful.” He kissed her cheek. “And you smell just fine.”

“You’re biased. I’ll still take that shower. Then we’ll go to lunch and give her four hours to call us. That should be enough time. She wants her part in this over quickly. She has a deadline with her Justin.”

“And if she doesn’t call us?”

That was a distinct possibility. Eve had annoyed Kendra, pushed her and guilted her into taking on a job that she didn’t want. But Eve had an idea that the comparison she had drawn between Beth’s prison and the life Kendra had led when blind would weigh heavily on her. Heavily enough to swing Kendra into their camp?

What would they do if Eve had guessed wrong?

“Why, then we’ll just have to go after her, Joe.”

* * *

KENDRA CALLED JOE THREE HOURS LATER. “Come and get me at the studio. I’m leaving my car here.”

“You’re going to help us?”

“Don’t pretend you’re surprised. You brought Eve Duncan here to draw me into the web. She did it.” She paused. “I don’t like the fact that she read me that well.”

“You should talk. The pot calling the kettle black.”

“Maybe. But I still feel uneasy. You’re good at manipulation, Quinn, but she goes deeper beneath the surface. That can be dangerous. What is she to you?”

Joe looked at Eve in the seat next to him. “Everything,” he said simply. “So you’d better give her what she wants, Kendra.”

“Is she listening?”

“Yes, you’re on speaker.”

“Good, then I won’t have to repeat myself. I don’t care what she wants. I don’t care what you want. I’ve spent time helping patients in mental institutions. If it’s possible that there are abuses happening at this one, it needs to be looked into. I just don’t want this Beth Avery to be a victim. There are too many victims in this world.” She continued brusquely. “Look, I have to be through with this job by day after tomorrow. I don’t have time for you to find a way to get into that hospital. Since they know you, it would be too risky. So you’re out of it. I’ve arranged to do it myself.”

“Really? And how did you accomplish that?”

“I called my mother two hours ago and told her that I needed a favor.” She added bitterly, “You don’t know what a sacrifice that was. My mother always demands a payback.”

“Your mother?”

“She’s Professor Deanna Michaels with UC San Diego. She’s a noted historical authority but she has mega influence with every political, medical, and educational board in the state. I told her I needed a valid reason to be given free access at that hospital tomorrow morning. She just called back and told me it was set up, and they’d welcome me with open arms.”

“Your mother appears to be very efficient. How did she manage that?”

“She had the lieutenant governor contact Harry Pierce, the chief administrator, and tell him that they were sending a music therapist to examine the facilities and records to see if the hospital would be a candidate for a state grant to help the treatment of the inmates.”

“State grant? California is almost broke.”

“So? That wouldn’t stop a liberal government from funding mental-health initiatives. Believe me, no one will question it. Once I’m accepted inside, I’ll find a way to get rid of the escort they give me and get the information you need. I’ll be ready to leave here in an hour to drive to Santa Barbara. We’ll check into a motel for the night, and I’ll be ready to storm the gates at eight in the morning.”

“We’ll be ready to storm the gates,” Eve corrected. “You’re right, Joe can’t come, but there’s no reason for me not to go with you. You can get me in as your assistant.”

“You don’t look like an assistant.”

“I can be unobtrusive. I’m going.”

Silence. “We’ll talk about it tomorrow morning. Come and get me.” She hung up.

Eve smiled faintly as Joe pressed the disconnect. “It appears she’s jumped into the fray with both feet.”

“She doesn’t know any other way.” He started the car. “But she’s right, you don’t appear subordinate in the least. Even when you’re trying to be unobtrusive, you can’t turn off what you are.”

She shrugged. “Then that’s her problem. She obviously wants to run things. Let her find a way to get me in under the radar.”

He smiled. “I’d like to go along and watch. It would be a hell of a lot more amusing for me than staying at the hotel and researching Pierce and all of the hospital personnel.”

“Somehow, I don’t believe tomorrow is going to be in the least amusing,” she said dryly. “But it will definitely be challenging.”

* * *

KENDRA MICHAELS WAS WAITING outside the door of her studio with a duffel and a guitar case beside her when they pulled up an hour later. “Right on time.” She opened the rear door and got into the car. “I just finished and locked up.”

“A guitar? I don’t really think that will be necessary,” Eve said.

“It is for me. It relaxes me to play when I’m in a strange place.”

“And do you always have extra luggage at your studio?” Eve’s gaze was on the duffel Kendra had thrown on the seat beside her.

“Yes, I do make house calls if my students need me.” She met Joe’s gaze in the rearview mirror as he drove out of the parking lot. “And I can never tell when I’ll need to take off on one of these missions impossible the authorities throw at me.”

Joe smiled. “But they’re not impossible for you, Kendra.”

“I wasn’t referring to myself,” she said bluntly. “And they shouldn’t be impossible for the police or FBI if they’d just block out everything around them and concentrate on what’s before them. Then I wouldn’t have to be involved. And that goes for you, too, Quinn. You’re very perceptive and smart as a whip. You should apply yourself.”

“I’ll keep that in mind, but I have an idea that I’d have to go around blindfolded a year or two to even approach your skill. Frankly, I don’t have the time.”

“Not when you can call on me,” she said dryly.

“Exactly,” he murmured.

“Don’t get cocky. You brought in reinforcements. Your Eve is the one who got me on board.” Her gaze shifted to Eve. “And I’ll do better on my own. Change your mind about going in with me.”

Eve shook her head. “Beth Avery is my responsibility. Besides, two can be better than one. I won’t get in your way.”

“No, you won’t,” Kendra said coolly. “If you do, I’ll run right over you.” She turned back to Joe. “What can you tell me about Beth Avery’s quarters at the hospital? I suppose you checked everything out when you went to question the people there.”

“Right now, the woman they’re calling Beth Avery is being held in solitary in a room on the first floor. She’s being taken care of by Pierce, and she’s not being allowed any visitors and has only a private nurse in attendance.” He added, “The room from which she escaped is on the third floor in a deluxe suite where she’s supposedly been living since she came there at seventeen. That floor is designated only for rich or famous clients who have been committed for varying lengths of time. There are only two other suites on that floor. Only one is occupied at the moment. Beth’s suite was Room 305.”

“Very good. Where is the human resources office?”

“First floor, second hallway off the reception area. I downloaded a complete floor plan of the hospital from the Internet and it’s on my iPhone. I’ll send it to you when we get to the motel.”

“And what do we know about Harry Pierce?” Eve asked. “If he’s Beth’s personal doctor, he has to be involved in whatever is going on with her. How long has he been her psychiatrist?”

“Since she came to Santa Barbara. He accompanied her from the hospital in Boston, where she stayed when she was first injured. The Avery family insisted he be taken on the staff as her doctor. He was young, and his credentials were only fair and not up to the hospitals standards. But the administrator caved because the Averys were such heavy donors.”

“But you said Pierce was the administrator now,” Eve said.

“He had over a decade to insinuate himself into a very comfortable niche. With the Averys backing him, it’s not surprising he was able to establish his own little kingdom.”

Eve’s lips twisted. “With Beth as the crown jewel.”

“Anyone else we should know about?” Kendra asked.

Joe shook his head. “Give me a break. I only had one visit and the info I could gather on the Internet.”

“You didn’t give me a break,” Kendra said. “I’ll give you what you need but I want—” She broke off as her cell rang. “Oh, shit. It’s my mother.” She hesitated, then reluctantly answered the phone. “Hello, Mother. I can’t talk right now. I’ll call you later. No, I’m not with a student. I’m on my way to Santa Barbara.” She listened again, then said slowly and distinctly, “No, I do not want you to come to Santa Barbara and help. You’ve done everything I needed you to do. I have everything under control. Nothing is going to happen to me. It’s not as if I’m going to do anything dangerous. I just have to go in and absorb a few impressions. Stop worrying.”

Evidently, Kendra’s relationship with her mother is as complicated as mine with Sandra, Eve thought. Kendra was so confident that it was strange to see her this soothing and apologetic.

“No, it won’t be like that,” Kendra said. “Do you think I’d let myself in for that kind of punishment again? I’m not a fool, Mother.” She drew a deep breath. “I have to go now. I’ll call you tomorrow night. It’s going to be fine.” She hung up and leaned back in the seat. “Dammit, I didn’t want to ask her to pull those strings to get us into the hospital. I was afraid that she’d be on my case once she had time to think.”

“It’s natural that a mother would be concerned about her daughter,” Eve said quietly. “It’s understandable that she’s protective.”

“You think you understand?” Kendra asked fiercely. “Not unless you grew up with my mother. She’s stronger than almost anyone I know. Protective? Hell, yes, she wanted to be protective of me. I was blind, for God’s sake. But she wanted me to be as strong and independent as I could be, so she kept herself from sheltering me and made me face the world and find ways to cope.”

“But she changed once you gained your vision?”

“She tried to let me go.” She shrugged. “Something happened to me on an FBI case I worked on. It scared her. She doesn’t like my taking chances. I had to reassure her.” She met Eve’s gaze. “Sorry I jumped on you. You’re right, it’s a natural maternal instinct.” Her lips twisted. “I guess you recognize the signs. You told me it was really your mother who sent you to look for Beth Avery. She appears to be cut from the same cloth as my mother.”

Except that there was nothing strong about Sandra, and the only maternal affection she possessed had been for Beth.

“No?” Kendra’s gaze was narrowed on Eve’s expression.

Eve forced a smile. “Not exactly.” Kendra’s vision might not have had the same fine-tuning as her other senses, but she was entirely too sharp. “Mothers are different. Just as people are different. But I’m glad that you had a woman like that in your life to raise you.”

“So am I.” Kendra’s gaze was still on her face. “But mothers can be a challenge, can’t they?”

Change the subject. Eve was feeling as if Kendra were seeing right through her. “What about your father?”

“My mother divorced him. She said it was because of his other affairs, but I think it was really that he wasn’t a cheerleader for me. She wanted him to be as supportive as she was.” She tilted her head. “You?”

“My father?” She was startled. She hadn’t expected the subject to be turned back to her. “I never knew him. I’m illegitimate. So you see, we’re nothing alike.”

Kendra was silent. “I’m not so sure. Maybe not on the surface.” She looked down at her iPhone. “Quinn, it’s hours before we get to Santa Barbara. I can’t sit here with nothing to do. Will you give Eve your phone and have her send that floor plan of the hospital to me? I should be able to memorize it before we get to the hotel.”

“Big task unless you have total recall,” Joe said as he handed Eve his phone. “I don’t recall that as one of your gifts.”

“It’s not,” she said absently as she retrieved the e-mail from her phone. “But I had to train my memory from childhood, and I’m pretty good. Braille doesn’t really cut it when you’re a blind musician. It can be terribly frustrating…”

* * *

“I THINK I LIKE THIS PLACE,” Eve said, as they parked in front of the long, rectangular, stone motel that hovered on a cliff over the beach. Its paned windows reflected the rays of the setting sun, and it looked clean and bright and sturdy. “Did you stay here before, Joe?”

“No, I was in and out of town too quickly.” Joe got out of the car in front of the front entrance. “I’ll go check in for us.” He nodded at a large white building high on a hill across the harbor. “That’s the mental hospital. It will take about ten minutes to reach there tomorrow morning.” He disappeared into the motel.

“Very impressive.” Kendra got out of the car and stared up at Seahaven Behavioral Health Center. “But not threatening.”

“Did you expect Frankenstein’s castle?” Eve asked.

“No, just a comment. I know that bad things sometimes come in pretty packages.” She took her duffel out of the car and turned to Joe as he came back out of the motel. “Room service?”

“Minimal. Sandwiches and drinks.” He handed her a key. “Your room is around the corner and two doors down.”

“Minimal is all I need. I’ve got to call my mother back, then try to sleep. I’ll see you both in the morning.” She moved down the walk, wheeling her duffel behind her.

“I believe we’ve been dismissed,” Joe said. “Do you want to go find a restaurant?”

“No.” She cast one more glance at the hospital before she turned away. It wasn’t Frankenstein’s castle, but it was beginning to loom large in her imagination. Had Beth been able to look out those windows and see all this freedom around her? “Minimal is enough for me, too. Let’s just shower and get to bed.”

“Sounds good. But I have a few follow-up calls I have to make, too.” He took out the bags. “I’ll shower first and make them while you take yours.”