Hide Away by Iris Johansen

away.”
    Cara gravely shook her head. “I don’t think so.” She turned back to the window again. “He didn’t act scared. I believe I’ll see him again.”
    Eve’s brows rose. “You don’t appear frightened.”
    â€œI know him now. I’m scared, but I know who I’m facing.” She added, “It’s all part of this business of not understanding. Nothing is what it seems. All the time that Walsh was hunting us, he was just a faceless monster. It was almost a relief when I actually saw him. Now he’s dead, and there’s someone else. I have to learn what I’m facing. I guess I was expecting someone who was like Walsh.”
    â€œAnd he wasn’t.”
    â€œNo, I think he might be even worse. He made me … care. But now I know the face of this monster,” she said quietly. “And I’ll never forget it.”
    LAKE COTTAGE
ATLANTA, GEORGIA
    â€œIt’s beautiful here,” Cara said softly as she climbed the steps to the front porch. “I love the lake. Elena took me to a motel in the hills that had a lake for a weekend last year. But it wasn’t like this. I’ll like being here until you send me away.”
    â€œWho said we were going to send you away?” Eve asked as they watched Joe unlock the front door. “I told you that this was a time of exploration while you decided what was best for you. You might like the lake, but you might not like the life Joe and I lead. We’re pretty boring most of the time.”
    â€œI’m used to boring,” Cara said. “Unless Elena wasn’t working, I had to stay by myself in the apartment and not invite any of the kids over to visit.”
    â€œPretty lonely?”
    â€œI didn’t mind. I had the music.” She wrinkled her nose. “Well, sometimes I did mind, but I knew she was only doing what she thought best. She wanted to keep me safe.”
    â€œAnd she did,” Eve said. “She gave up her life to do it.”
    Cara nodded. “One minute she was there, and then she was gone. I still feel as if she’s out there somewhere, waiting for me.”
    Eve could see how that was possible. Cara had only been told that her friend Elena was dead, and it would have been difficult for her to accept the reality. Eve had avoided going into any details, hoping to spare the child. Now she could see that it had not been a kindness. “You know Elena was murdered. The police had to do an autopsy, and they haven’t released the body for burial. After that happens, we’ll arrange a suitable service for her.” She hesitated. “But we may wait for the service until we’re certain you’re safe. I’m sure you understand why.”
    â€œYou think they’ll use her as a trap,” Cara said flatly.
    Eve nodded.
    â€œAnywhere can be a trap.” Cara looked around the lake and woods. “Even this beautiful place.”
    And it was incredibly sad that Cara had found that out, Eve thought. “I won’t deny that’s true. Our friend Margaret was trying to persuade us that Elena was right to run and hide and not settle in any one place. We may decide that they’re both on the right track.” She started up the steps. “But while we’re here, Joe will make sure we’re safe. That’s why he insisted on going into the house first to check it out. Stop frowning, you don’t have to worry.”
    â€œThat wasn’t what I was thinking about,” Cara said as she followed her. “I was thinking that he was right.”
    â€œHe?”
    â€œThat guy at the hospital. Kevin Roper.”
    Eve’s gaze flew to her face. “That kid?”
    â€œThat monster.” She added soberly, “He told me so many lies but there was truth in some of them. He said that I should go to church and pray for Elena’s soul. He only meant to lure me away from Joe, and I would have