shoulder. “And don't tell me it's confidential. I'm not buying it. You know damn well you can trust me.”
“We'll talk about it when you finish.” He gestured to Toby. “Come on, boy, I'll let you in Jane's room before you start howling to get in. That's enough to give anyone nightmares.” He started down the hall and then stopped. “You know, I think she had a nightmare last week. I was up doing paperwork and I heard her . . . panting.” He frowned. “Maybe crying? I don't know. When I peeked in, she was sleeping quietly.”
“If she's having frequent nightmares, maybe she's not as well balanced as you think.”
“Two isn't frequent.”
“And how many could she be having that we know nothing about?”
“All you can do is be there for her if she wants to talk about them. You have nightmares of your own. God knows you don't want to talk about them.”
Yes, she'd had her share of nightmares and dreams of Bonnie. The nightmares were gone, but the healing dreams remained, thank God. “I asked her about her nightmare and she said she didn't remember. I think she did. Maybe she'll talk to you tomorrow.”
“I'm not giving her the third degree. If the subject comes up . . .” He shrugged. “But I don't think it will. She's too absorbed in this driving test.”
She smiled. “She wants to make sure and get a good photo. That's the first sign of vanity I've seen. I was encouraged.”
“Good. But you'd better be contented with a hint of vanity.” He winked. “Because you'll never get frilly.”
I got it!” Jane parked the SUV and jumped out of the car and ran up the steps to the porch where Eve was waiting. “It was a pretty easy test, Eve. They should make it harder. I don't like the idea of being on the road with kids who could pass that level of— Get down, Toby.” She hugged his neck and then pushed him down. “But I got it and the photo isn't too bad, is it, Joe?” She handed the license to Eve. “At least, it's better than my learner's license. I hated looking as idiotic as one of the Three Stooges. It wasn't dignified.”
“Is that why you were so upset? Why didn't you tell us? We could have waited until you had another one taken.”
“You were in a hurry. It didn't matter.”
Eve frowned. “And you could have gotten this license last year on your sixteenth birthday. You never mentioned wanting to do it.”
“You were snowed under all last year. And Joe was in and out of Macon for months on that homicide case. I decided I'd do it on my seventeenth and then we could all enjoy it. Like I said, it didn't matter.” She turned to Joe. “Thanks for taking me. I'll pay you back by fixing dinner for you and Eve.”
“No, you won't.” Joe got out of the passenger seat and got a sack of groceries out of the back. “This is a celebration and you're the guest of honor. I'll grill some steaks.” He climbed the steps. “And she came out with a perfect score on that ‘easy' test, Eve. Cool as a cucumber.”
“I didn't expect anything else.” Eve glanced down at the driver's license. The photo was very good. Jane's brown eyes were shining from that triangular face that was more fascinating than pretty. Eve had always thought she looked a little like Audrey Hepburn with those winged brows and high cheekbones but Joe couldn't see it. He said Jane was an original and if she looked like anyone it was Eve. The same red-brown hair color, the same well-shaped mouth, the strong chin. “It's a great photo, Jane.”
“Yeah, I look like I might have a modicum of intelligence. You finished with Ruth yet?”
“Getting close.”
“That's good.” She looked away from Eve as she bent down and patted Toby. “Then don't worry about stopping to have dinner. I'll bring you a sandwich. We'll celebrate some other time.”
Another delay after Jane had waited a year because it hadn't been “convenient” for Eve and Joe? “No, we won't.” She handed the license back to Jane. “This is an important occasion. Ruth can wait.”
“Really?” Jane glanced up and a brilliant smile illuminated her face. “You sure? It's not as if—it was a pretty easy test.”
“I'm sure. I wouldn't miss it. I'm very proud of you.” Eve turned away. “But I'll have to work until supper is ready. Okay?”
“Okay.” She turned away. “But if