Suite 606 by J. D. Robb Page A

be taking her there shortly. Any problem with that, well, you’ll have to get back to me, won’t you? And we’ll see if I can be bothered answering my ’link.”
    When he clicked off he saw Isis watching him with amusement dancing in her eyes. “Two strong-headed, strong-willed people, both not only used to giving orders but to having them obeyed. It must be an interesting and stimulating life you have together.”
    “There are times I wonder how we ever managed to get through two hours together much less two years. And other times I wonder how either of us survived before we found each other.”
    “She’ll be angry with you for taking me to this place.”
    “No, what she’ll be is right pissed. But they used my place, you see, and at least one of my people. So pissed she’ll have to be. I’m grateful to you for doing this.”
    “Gifts aren’t free. What I have, what I am makes its own demands. Will you take this?” She held out a small white silk bag tied with a silver cord.
    “What is it?”
    “A protection charm. I’d like you to carry it when we go in that room together.”
    “All right.” He slipped it in his pocket, felt it bump lightly against the gray button he habitually carried there. Eve’s button, he mused, and wasn’t that a kind of charm? “I’ve been in before.”
    “Yes. And what did you feel?”
    “Beyond the anger, the pity? I suppose if I were a fanciful man I’d say I caught the scent of hell. It’s not sulphur and brimstone. It’s the stench of cruelty.”
    Isis took a long breath. “Then we’ll go. And we’ll look.”
     
    In Slone’s office, Eve glanced at the readout on her ’link, and let the transmission go to voice mail. Roarke would have to wait, she decided, and turned back to Sarah Meeks. The receptionist had a soother in her now, but tears still trembled.
    “Where were Ava and Jack going?”
    “They weren’t sure. They both wanted to keep it light, you know? First date, and you work in the same place, so if it doesn’t work out . . .”
    “Did they leave together, from here?”
    “No—I mean, I don’t think so. She was—they were—still here when I left. But I know she planned to go home first. Even though it was casual, Ava wanted to fuss a little, so she was going home to change.”
    “What time did you leave?”
    “About three. I came on at seven yesterday, and left around three.”
    “Who else was here when you left?”
    “Oh, let’s see. Dr. Slone, and Dr. Collins, and Dr. Pratt. Um, Leah, Kiki, Roger, one of our physician assistants, and . . .”
    Eve took notes as Sarah listed names.
    “Was Ava seeing anyone else?”
    “No. I mean, she dated sometimes, but not a lot, and nothing serious. There was just this spark, you know, between her and Jack. We all thought they might . . .”
    “Did she have any interest in the occult?”
    “The what? You mean, like ghosts or something?”
    “Or something.”
    “I don’t think so. Ava was . . .” She trailed off again, as if trying to find the word. “Grounded. That’s it. She was just really real. She loved her job here, and was so good at it. Good with the staff, the patients. She remembered people’s names, and what they came in for, and what everybody liked in their coffee.”
    “Was there anyone who showed a particular interest in her—other than Jack?”
    “Everyone did. She was like that. Everybody loved Ava.”
    Eve sent Sarah out, sniffling. “Anything pop on those runs?” she asked Peabody.
    “Nothing that sings. You’ve got a lot of highly educated people on staff. Slone’s married, two kids, no criminal. Wife’s an interior designer. Homes in the city, in the Hamptons, and in Colorado. Collins, Dr. Lawrence, second marriage, two offspring from each, no criminal. Current wife is professional mother. Upper West Side digs here, and a home in Costa Rica. Pratt—”
    “Copy the data to my pocket unit.” Eve paced the office. “This is going to take a while. We need to split