She made a face. “Okay, so we both had it tough when we were kids, but I wanted something better for Jane.”
“But Jane has to want it too. She probably thinks proms are pretty silly. Can you see her in a frilly dress, getting into one of those stretch limos the kids hire these days?”
“She'd be beautiful.”
“She is beautiful,” Joe said. “And she's strong and smart and I'd want her behind me if I was ever in a tight corner. But she's not frilly, Eve.” He poured her a cup of coffee and brought it to her. “So stop trying to force her into the role.”
“As if I could. No one forces Jane to do anything she doesn't want to do.” She sipped the coffee and then grimaced. “You made it strong enough. You really want to keep me awake to finish this skull, don't you?”
“Yes.”
“Why? You're acting out of character. Even Jane noticed it.”
“It's important to the case. Have you named her yet?”
“Of course. She's Ruth. You know I always name them before I work on them. It's more respectful.”
“Just asking.” He moved toward the front door. “I think I hear Toby.”
“And you changed the subject.”
“Yes.” He smiled over his shoulder. “After all these years I need to maintain a little mystery. If I become too predictable, you might get bored with me.”
“No chance.” She looked away from him. “I might have thought I could tell what you'd do next at one time but not anymore.”
“Son of a bitch.”
She looked up to see Joe glaring at her. “Sorry. I shouldn't have said that.”
“No, you damn well shouldn't,” he said roughly. “Even though I know you're thinking it. When are you going to trust me, for God's sake?”
“I trust you.”
“Within limits.”
“Don't yell at me. You set those limits.”
“I lied. I deceived you. But you damn well know I only did it to stop you from hurting.”
“You let me think I buried the bones of my Bonnie instead of another little girl. You did it on purpose.” She met his gaze. “I told you it would take time for me to forgive that. I try. I try every day. But sometimes it comes back to me and I say—I love you, Joe, but I can't pretend all the time. If that's not good enough, it's your call.”
“And you know what that call will be.” He drew a deep, ragged breath. “I'll take what I can get. I won't let you go.” He opened the screen door. “Every month, every year we're together is a bonus. We'll get past this. Where's that damn dog?” He went out on the porch and she heard him whistle. “Toby!”
He was angry and hurt. If she hadn't been so tired, she wouldn't have let those words tumble out. She was usually more careful. When she had decided to stay with Joe, it had been with the intention of making the relationship work. She had known it would be hard, but most worthwhile things weren't easy. Most of the time life was good, they were good together.
“I've got him.” Toby bounded into the room ahead of Joe, panting and full of joy. “He's been on the hunt. That wolf blood is becoming more predominant. I'm not sure Sarah is right about letting him roam.”
“That's what I told Jane.” Joe was clearly ignoring the tension of the past few minutes and she eagerly followed his lead. “She said she'd stop him if we liked.”
He reached down and stroked Toby's head. “We'll keep an eye on him. Maybe a touch of wolf in any creature isn't all that bad. I always feel safer when he's with Jane.” He looked up at Eve. “That's probably why Sarah gave him to Jane. She thought you'd feel easier if Jane had protection.”
“Because Bonnie didn't.” Eve nodded. “God help me, I didn't dream she'd need it. I couldn't imagine anyone hurting my Bonnie. She was so . . . wonderful that—” She stopped and was silent a moment. Even after all these years the pain and anger were ever present. “But you know all about the monsters who kill the innocent. You're a cop. You deal with them every day.” She began to measure the tissue depths again. “Is it another monster who killed this woman, Joe?”
“I think so. There's a chance he may have been killing for a long time. Only not in this area.”
“When are you going to tell me about her?” She looked at him over her