Free Hide Away by Iris Johansen

violin and ran her fingers caressingly down the glossy surface. “It’s beautiful.” She began to tune it. “Beautiful…”
    â€œI think we’ve lost her,” Eve said to Joe. “I believe I’ll even wait to put in those rolls.” She took a step closer to him. “You constantly surprise me.”
    â€œI just thought it was better she had it sooner than later. She’s had a lonely life. Her music was probably a closer friend to her than anyone but her Elena.” He smiled as his gaze lingered on Cara’s absorbed face. “Until she regards us as good friends, the violin will have to do for now.” He glanced back at Cara. “I think we’ll give her an hour to become acquainted with it. I’m going to take a look around outside.”
    Eve walked him to the door. “Have you heard anything from Mexico City?”
    â€œNot yet.”
    â€œKevin Roper might not be connected to Salazar. You said there was a chance.”
    â€œA chance.” He shrugged. “I have a hunch he is. He was too cool, too bold.”
    â€œI hope you’re wrong. We need time.”
    â€œWe may not get it.” He paused. “And how are you feeling?”
    â€œFine. Why shouldn’t I be? Joe, I’m barely a few weeks—” She shook her head. “I’m fine.”
    â€œMentally as well as physically?”
    She glanced back at Cara, then gave him a quick kiss. “Later.” She pushed him out the door. “Be careful.”
    She drew a deep breath and moved back toward Cara. She’d wanted her discussion with Joe to be private but they could probably have had an in-depth conversation and Cara would not have heard a word. She was totally absorbed, and she might have been on another planet. Eve didn’t want to take that chance. What she had learned this morning about having a child was only between the two of them and not to be touched by all the other madness that was going on in her life.
    Only this morning. It seemed incredible that such a short time had passed since that moment when her entire life had been turned upside down.
    But that time had been filled with worry and adjustment and Cara. And that adjustment was still going on.
    I had the music, she had told Eve. She’d had loneliness and fear and death, but she’d also been given the gift that had made all that tolerable. Now she had it again, and it was all there in her face and the loving delicacy of her fingers on the strings.
    Joe was a very wise man.
    She took her coffee and dropped down on the easy chair across from the couch where Cara sat. She was silent, watching her.
    She’d get up soon and put away the food. Supper could wait. Cara needed this nourishment more than any food.
    *   *   *
    No sign of any intruders, Joe thought as he knelt to examine the grass beside the trail. It was still early in the game. They had moved fast and left the hospital only earlier today. Salazar or his man would have had to move equally quickly to track them down and position themselves for any assault. But Joe had no doubt that assault would come, and he would have to be ready for it.
    He wanted it over.
    He had anticipated that this nightmare that had tormented them would extend past the killing of Walsh. He had fully expected it. Walsh had only been a hired killer, and Salazar was still hovering on the horizon. Joe had been planning on parking Eve and Cara somewhere safe and going after Salazar himself. But that had been put on hold by the news that Eve was with child. He had been caught off guard, and he had to think and look at all the options.
    Just as he had told her she had to look at her options. He knew her, and he knew how she would—
    His phone rang. Detective Juan Manez, Mexico City.
    â€œIt’s about time,” he said when he picked up. “I thought you’d contact me sooner. What did you find out?”
    â€œThat you