Read Online Hide Away by Iris Johansen - Free Book Online

what had happened would have on Jane. Eve had known that, too, which was the reason she hadn’t been in contact with her since she had left here for California.
    And now she had to find a way to deal with Jane as well as everything else that was going on in her life.
    Her hand instinctively went to her abdomen.
    See, I told you it was crazy out here. And sometimes the craziness comes from the people you love the most. And if Jane knew about you, she’d be more difficult than ever.
    But she didn’t know, and Eve wasn’t about to tell her. She had a better chance of dealing with the situation the fewer disturbing elements that were present. The presence of this child in her life was definitely disturbing.
    Disturbing and yet comforting in a strange way. It was a sign that there were wonderful things in a world where darkness always seemed to be present.
    But she still had to fight that darkness, so stop standing here and brooding about what Jane might or might not do. She had until tomorrow to make a decision, and she’d have to talk to Joe anyway.
    She sat down on the couch and started to go through her messages.
    *   *   *
    â€œYou two were gone a long time.” Eve looked up from the Hamburger Helper she was stirring on the burner when Joe and Cara came into the cottage. “I hope you worked up an appetite.”
    â€œShe had a lot of questions,” Joe said. “And yes, I’m hungry. What about you, Cara?”
    She smiled and nodded. “What are you fixing?”
    â€œJust Hamburger Helper.” She made a face. “I’m not much of a cook. Joe and I are working most of the time. We do a lot of takeout.” She smiled at Joe. “But Joe is great on the barbecue grill. He’ll have to demonstrate soon.”
    â€œMy pleasure,” Joe said. “But we may be a little too busy in the near future.” He looked at the simmering skillet. “How soon will that be done?”
    â€œThirty minutes or so. As usual, I tossed everything in it to make it more palatable. I’m letting it simmer.”
    â€œIt usually turns out pretty good.” Joe turned toward the door. “I have an errand to run. I should be back by then.”
    â€œWhere are you going?”
    â€œI have something to pick up.” He opened the door. “Lock up behind me and don’t go out on the porch. Okay?”
    Her gaze flew to his face. “Was everything all right out there?”
    He nodded. “No signs. But it doesn’t hurt to be careful.” The door closed behind him.
    â€œYou’re afraid someone would be here waiting for us?” Cara asked.
    â€œNo.” She shrugged. “But Joe is right, it doesn’t hurt to be careful.” She moved toward the door and locked it. “Are you tired from that long walk?”
    â€œYou’re trying to distract me.” She was smiling. “I’m used to locked doors. It was a rule at the apartment.” She moved over to the stove. “I sometimes put cheese in the Hamburger Helper. Did you try that?”
    â€œNot this time.” She looked curiously at her. “You cook?”
    â€œI did most of the cleaning and cooking at the apartment. We divided up the jobs. It was only fair. Elena was working most of the time just to pay the bills.” She looked in the refrigerator and got out some Brie cheese. “Okay, if I put some of this in it?”
    â€œBe my guest.” Eve watched her as she carefully cut up some cheese, then blended it in the mixture. “What else did you cook?”
    â€œOh, hamburgers, lasagna, stew, spaghetti, mostly easy stuff.” She put down the ladle. “But I learn fast. If you want anything else, I’ll make it for you.”
    She chuckled. “We didn’t bring you here because we wanted a chef.”
    â€œI don’t expect you to keep me unless I make myself useful. Why would you? You don’t owe me