She turned it over for Reo to read.
“‘The Brotherhood: Year One.’”
“Get that bag, will you, Reo?”
“All right.”
When Reo stepped out, closed the door again, Eve tagged Roarke.
“I’m sorry, I know you’ve got stuff.”
“The amount of which is easing up for the day. What is it?”
“I could use some help. See this?” She held up the disc so it would show on his ’link screen.
“Ah, an antique.”
“Yeah, out of Betz’s bank box in the Bronx.”
“Say that five times fast.” But Roarke didn’t smile, just kept his eyes on hers.
Did it show? she wondered. Did the sickness she felt inside show on her face?
For him it would, she thought. He’d see it.
“Listen, I—”
“Do you need me to come?”
“No, no. I— Can you jury-rig something to play this thing?”
“I can, of course. Are you going home?”
“I’ve got a couple of stops to make, then, yeah. I think I know what’s on here, and . . . I’d rather be home when I view it than asking Feeney.”
“I can be home in about ninety minutes. Sooner if you need me sooner.”
“Ninety’s great. Thanks. I’m with Reo, and I’ve got a couple things. I’ll fill you in when I see you.”
“You take care of my cop, body and soul.”
“Trying to. See you in ninety.”
She clicked off and stood staring down at the little sealed bags with the locks of hair. Stood staring and fighting off waves of revulsion.
18
“I’m not going back downtown,” Eve told Reo.
“Just take me as far as you’re going, and I’ll get a cab.” Reo made quick notes as they sped away from the bank. “Forty-nine, Dallas. Do they all have souvenirs?”
“Can’t say. Not yet.”
“I need to see what’s on that old disc.”
“When I get it transferred, I’ll send it to you. Reo, I’m taking it home, the money, too. I’ll count it on record, seal and log. But I’m not getting it into Evidence until tomorrow. Most likely tomorrow morning.”
After finishing her notes, Reo tucked her PPC away. “Dallas, not only am I not worried about you preserving the chain of evidence, that fortress you live in is at least as secure as Central.”