Free Body of Lies by Iris Johansen

made a face. “I could feel you freezing up when I mentioned Joe. Get over it, Mama.”
    “Bullshit.”
    “Okay, we’ll talk about something else. I want you to feel good in the morning.”
    Eve always felt better after the dreams. They had started two years after Bonnie had died, and at times Eve felt as if they had saved her sanity. A psychiatrist would probably have sent her to the nearest funny farm if she told him that. Well, screw them. There was nothing that wasn’t positive about the dreams. “If my ribs are still this sore, there’s no way I’ll feel good in the morning.”
    “They’ll be a little better.” Bonnie leaned back in the chair. “This is a nice place. I like all those bayous. Why didn’t we ever come here?”
    “I don’t know. I guess I never got around to it.”
    “Well, Panama City was nice, too. I loved the water. . . .”
    “I know you did, baby.”
    “There are lots of things to love. Now tell me about Jane’s new puppy. Sarah gave him to her?”
    “Yes, and he’s a complete rascal. Of course, Jane thinks he’s the smartest animal in the universe. She’s talking about going out to the coast and having Sarah help her train . . .”

Chapter 5
    “You’re in a better mood this morning.” Galen studied Eve’s expression as he helped her into his car after they’d left the hospital. “And you look much healthier. Did you sleep well?”
    “When I wasn’t dreaming.”
    “Nightmares?”
    She shook her head. “No, good dreams.” She gazed up at the brilliant blue sky. “It’s a pretty day.”
    He nodded. “You could probably still use a day of rest. Why don’t you sit out on the balcony and just watch the world go by?”
    The church, dark and looming, filling her entire vision as she lay on the balcony floor.
    “I want to get to work. Did you find out any more about Marie’s death?”
    “Officially food poisoning. Case closed.”
    “I see.”
    “I don’t. I paid a small bribe to a clerk at the coroner’s department to get a look at the provisional report.”
    “And?”
    “Food poisoning.” He paused. “The only thing in the least unusual was slight abrasions on her upper arms.”
    “Caused by what?”
    “No conclusions. But I was wondering . . . ropes?”
    “But that’s not what the coroner said.”
    “No.” Galen shrugged. “At any rate, the body has been released and the funeral is tomorrow.”
    “Her son is coming here?”
    “I assume he will. This is his mother’s hometown. Why?”
    “I want to see him and express my sympathy.”
    “What?” He grimaced. “I believe it’s very bad form to offer condolences to the family of someone who tried to murder you.”
    “I don’t believe she tried to kill me, and I think her son would like to know what she told me about their relationship. It could help at a time like this. I’d like to go to the funeral.”
    “Okay. I’ll find out when and where. I’m surprised you’re willing to delay the start of your work on the skull.”
    “Support means a good deal to the bereaved. This time is a nightmare. No one knows that better than I do.”
    “So I’ve heard.” Galen’s voice was sober. “Your Bonnie.”
    “My Bonnie.” They had pulled up in front of the house and she got out of the car. “Melton called the hospital and arranged to meet me here at one, then go with me to the church. Are you coming with us?”
    “I wouldn’t miss it.” Galen watched Eve unlock the front door, and then preceded her into the foyer. He glanced around the foyer and then started up the stairs. Eve followed. “Skeletons are my cup of tea. Mind if I take a look around your bedroom? I was here earlier and did a little cleanup job, but I’d feel better if I just checked it again.”
    “You cleaned up that mess?”
    “Well, your housekeeper wasn’t able to do it. I didn’t want you to have to come home and face it.”
    “Thank you. That was a very kind thing to do.”
    “I
am
kind.” He threw open the bedroom