“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