Vendetta in Death (In Death #49) - J. D. Robb Page 0,69
she might need to send a droid out to score. Especially since Grand, thank God truly on the mend, would need a slightly stronger dose of the sleeping draught to keep her safe and dreaming through the night.
She’d send the droid she’d named Jimmy—mid-twenties, tough face with a small scar on the right cheek. He could meet the dealer later that night, refresh her supplies.
She imagined her own doctor would prescribe something to help her sleep—given the circumstances. But she really didn’t have time for that.
She needed to select the costume for the next scene.
13
When Eve walked back into the bullpen, Jenkinson’s new obscenity of a tie greeted her. When he signaled her over to his desk, she scowled at it.
“Why, I ask sincerely, would a grown man, a cop, a veteran detective of the NYPSD wear an atomic-green tie with screaming yellow rubber duckies all over it?”
“They’re not screaming, they’re quacking. And it’s what you call whimsy.”
“It’s what I call felonious assault on the eyes. Did you get the notes and names from Natalia Zula?”
“Yeah, we got ’em—and her daughter was home.” Though he sat and Eve stood, he managed to look down his nose at her. “She said my tie was mag. Just saying. You got the discs on your desk. And check it.”
He thumbed back toward Reineke, his usual partner. Obliging, Reineke hitched up his pants leg to reveal screaming yellow rubber duckies on atomic-green socks.
“Jesus, you’re coordinating now?”
“Just the luck of the draw,” Reineke claimed. “Anyhow, Zula and her kid were both cooperative. Some shaken up at the idea one of the group might be killing people. The kid wants her mother to come in, give you a thumbnail shrink sketch on the members. Mom’s conflicted.”
“She may have to get unconflicted.”
“They’re tight,” Jenkinson put in. “We got the feeling the daughter was going to work on the mom about it.”
“I’ll take that for now. Thanks for the assist.”
She went to her office and plugged in the disc.
She scanned the names, the notes attached to each. Some of everything, Eve mused. Rape, abuse, emotional bullying, cheating partners, dumped by lovers, scammed, slapped, screwed over, beaten, belittled, badgered.
Some, by the notes, angry, some depressed, others guilt-ridden or ashamed. A lot of desperation and shattered egos.
Natalia had noted down if the woman mentioned children, her job, another relationship, a friend or family member, and whether those were supportive or combative.
She’d added whether or not the woman had reported the rape, abuse, or assault, if the woman had removed herself from the situation or remained in it.
Careful notes, Eve decided, and always nonjudgmental. Might pay to have her come in, give those thumbnails to Mira. Shrink to shrink.
Pausing, she took time to shoot a memo to Mira asking her if she agreed, and if so, would she contact Zula.
Then she read, with interest, the notes on Darla.
11/59: Husband left her for younger woman (had an affair with same during the marriage). Husband currently living with younger woman. Divorce entailed the sale of the company she’d built—his demand. Discovered he’d manipulated a majority share. Now living with grandmother.
Appears educated, bright, financially stable.
Appears emotionally shattered, feels worthless, unattractive, undesirable, foolish, bitter. Still in the grieving stage over death of marriage, broken trust, sexual betrayal.
Briefer notes illustrated progress or lack of same, mood, ability to connect with others in the group through the early part of 2060.
3/60: Appears stronger emotionally though cannot yet let go of her anger and sense of betrayal. I see a definite and encouraging bond with others in the group, a willingness to listen, sympathize. She no longer breaks down when she speaks of her own situation, but speaks with bitterness of her ex and the woman he left her for. Credits her grandmother for giving her support and strength.
Anger, bitterness, Eve thought. That she could buy. And that didn’t jibe, to her mind, with the floods of grief.
5/60: More interactive, more easily offering support and sympathy to others. Stated, emotionally, the group, the other women have helped her find purpose again, find self again.
7/60: Am told confidentially by Una that Darla gifted her with several thousand dollars to assist Una in renting an apartment. Showing generosity and friendship, a willingness to offer a hand up.
12/60: Brought small gifts for the group for the holiday meeting. Seemed very upbeat—though expressed some concern re grandmother, who is feeling poorly. Left early.
And that was the last entry. Sitting back, Eve thought it through.