Book 5 - Page 129 (1/2)

Remembering what I could of that time, I could see how easily Hugh’s brainwas.h.i.+ng might have taken root in the mind of a small boy whose older brother frequently had fits of rage and destruction.

“Christopher wouldn’t believe that,” he a.s.serted.

My shoulders lifted in a weary shrug. “Christopher told me once, recently, that I’d wanted him dead since the day he was born. I had no idea what he was talking about, but now …”

“Let me read,” he said grimly, turning back to the monitor. “Go take that shower. We’ll have some coffee when you get out. Or something stronger.”

I started to leave the room but paused before I opened the door. Looking back at Chris, I saw him focused tautly on the words in front of him. “You didn’t know Hugh like I did,” I told him. “How he could twist things around … make you believe things …”

Chris’s gaze came up and held mine. “You don’t have to convince me, Gideon. Your word is enough.”

I glanced away quickly. Did he have any clue what those four words meant to me? I couldn’t tell him; my throat was too raw.

With a nod, I left him.

It took longer than it should have to put some G.o.dd.a.m.ned clothes on. I chose with Eva in mind. The gray slacks she loved. A black V-neck T-s.h.i.+rt. Done.

There was a knock at the door. “Come in.”

Angus filled the frame. “The detectives are on their way up.”

“All right.” I walked with him down the hall to the living room.

My wife sat on the couch, bundled in sweatpants and a baggy sweater with socks on her feet. Her head rested on Victor’s shoulder, his cheek against the crown of her head. Her fingers stroked through Cary’s hair as he sat on a pillow by her knee. Couldn’t get more connected than that. The television was on, tuned to a movie none of them were watching.

“Eva.”

Her gaze slid slowly over to me.

I held out my hand to her. “The police are here.”

Victor straightened, jarring my wife into sitting up. A brisk rap on the foyer door had everyone on alert.

Stepping closer to the couch, I kept my arm extended. Eva slowly disentangled herself and stood, her face still far too pale. She put her hand in mine and I exhaled a sigh of relief. I pulled her close, draping my arm over her shoulders and pressing a kiss to her forehead.

“I love you,” I said softly, walking her toward the door.