Visions In Death

Not all the babies appeared to appreciate it, either. One of them was burbling in what might have been contentment, but two others were making sounds very reminiscent of emergency vehicles on the run.

It didn't seem to bother anyone, particularly. Certainly not the field of kids on the floor, playing or bickering over their chosen activities.

"Ladies." Conversation died off as the women looked toward the doorway. Children shut up like clams. Babies continued to wail or burble.

"I'd like to introduce you to Lieutenant Dallas and Detective Peabody." In the moment's pause, Eve saw the reaction to the thought of cops. The drawing into self, the nervous flicker of eyes, the gathering closer of children.

The abuser might be the enemy and Louise the ally, but cops, Eve thought, were the unknown and could fall into either camp.

"Lieutenant Dallas is Roarke's wife, and this is her first visit." There was relief for some the easing of tension in faces and bodies, even tentative smiles. And for others, the suspicion remained.

It wasn't just a mix of ages and races. There was also a mix of injuries. Fresh bruises, fading ones. Mending bones.

Mending lives.

She knew their apprehension; felt it herself. And hated that while Louise looked at her expectantly, her skin was going cold, and her throat shutting down.

"It's a nice place you've got here," she managed.

"It's a miracle." The woman who spoke stood up. She limped slightly as she crossed the room. Eve pegged her at around forty, and from the looks of her face, she'd taken a nasty and recent beating. She held out a hand to Eve. "Thank you." She didn't want to take the hand offered. Didn't want the co

A red haze of shock over the eyes.

Eve felt it all again as she stood there, staring down at the girl. She wanted to step back, far, far back. Away from it.

"You're okay now." Her voice sounded thin and distant under the roaring in her ears.

"He hurts my mama. He gets mad and he hurts her. But this time I didn't hide in my room like she said, and he hurt me, too." "He broke her arm." Tears flooded the woman's bruised eyes. "It took that to wake me up." "You don't blame yourself, Marly," Louise said gently.

"We can stay here with Dr Louise, and nobody hurts you, and nobody yells or throws things."

"It's a good place." Peabody hunkered down as much to take the focus off Eve as to speak to the child. Her lieutenant looked ill. "I bet there's lots to do." "We have chores, and teachers. You have to do your chores and go to school. Then you can play. There's a lady upstairs, and she's having a baby." "Is that so?" Peabody glanced back at Louise. "Now?" "First-stage labor. We have full obstetric and natal facilities, and a midwife on staff full-time. Try to keep off that leg as much as possible for another twenty-four, Marly." "I will. It's better. A lot better. Everything is." "We really need to speak with you, Louise." "All right, we'll just…" Louise trailed off as she got a look at Eve's face. "Are you okay?" "Fine. I'm fine. A little pressed for that time, that's all." "We'll head up to my office." Deliberately, she laid her fingers on Eve's wrist as they walked back toward the stairs.

"Your skin's clammy," she murmured. "Pulse is rapid and thready, and you've gone pale. Let me take you into Exam." Tm just tired." She eased away. "We're ru

Therapy sessions," Louise explained. "Sometimes they can get intense. Moira, a moment?" Two women were standing outside of what Eve assumed was another therapy room or office. One turned, and her gaze skipped over Louise and fastened on Eve. She murmured something to her companion, gave her a long hug, then started down the hall.

Eve knew who she was. Moira O'Ba

Sickness curdled in Eve's belly.

"Moira O'Ba

"Moira's one of our treasures. I stole her." Moira laughed. "Recruited, we'll say. Though dragooned wouldn't be far off. Louise is fierce. You're having the tour." "Not exactly. It's not a social call." "Ah. I should let you get to business then. How's Jana doing?" "Four centimeters dilated, thirty percent effaced last check.

She's got a ways to go." "Let me know when she's ready, will you? We're all excited about the new baby." Moira smiled at Peabody. "It's good to meet you both, and I hope you won't be strangers. My very best to Roarke," she said to Eve and stepped out of their way.

"Moira's brilliant," Louise said as she led the way to the next level. "She's making a big difference here. I've been able to ha dragoon some of the best therapists, doctors, psychiatrists, and counselors in the city. I bless the day you stomped into my clinic downtown, Dallas. It was the start of the twisty path that led me here." She opened a door, gestured them inside. "Not to mention leading me to Charles." Briskly, she walked to a cabinet, and opened it to reveal a minifridgie. "Which reminds me, we're setting up that di

She'd have preferred ice-cold water and an open window so she could lean out, just breathe. "We're in the middle of an investigation." "Understood. Doctors and cops learn to be flexible and live with canceled social engagements. Barring emergencies, we'll expect you. Now sit, drink your protein. Lemon flavored." Because it was quicker than arguing and she could use a boost, Eve opened the bottle and chugged.

The office was a big step up from the one Louise kept at her clinic. Roomier, more fancily furnished. Efficient, as you'd expect, but with style.

"Swankier digs here," Eve commented.

"Roarke insisted, and I confess, he didn't have to twist my arm. One of the elements we're aiming for here is comfort.

Hominess. We want these women, these kids, to feel at ease." "You've done a good job." Peabody sat and savored her drink. "It feels like a home." "Thanks." Cocking her head, Louise studied Eve. "Well, you look better. Color's back." "Thanks, Doc." Eve dumped the empty container in the recycler slot. "So. Celina Sanchez." "Ah, Celina. Fascinating woman. I've known her for years.

We went to school together for a couple of years. Her family's loaded, like mine. Very, very conservative, like mine. She's the black sheep. Like me. So, naturally enough, we're friends.

Why are you looking into her?" "She paid me a visit this morning. Claims she's a psychic." "She is." Louise frowned, and got herself a bottle of fizzy water. "A very gifted sensitive, who practices professionally.