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Eve’s blood ran cold Her fingers gripped on the edge of the pool “Victim’s name?”

“That information is not cleared for transmission at this time Confirm receipt of orders, Dallas, Lieutenant Eve”

“Confirmed ETA twenty minutes Request Feeney, Captain, EDD on scene”

“Request verified Dispatch out”

“Oh God Oh God” Weak with guilt and liquor, Eve laid her head on the edge of the pool “I fucking killed her”

“Stop it” Mavis swam over, laid a hand on Eve’s shoulder “Cut it out, Eve,” she said briskly

“He took the wrong bait, the wrong bait, Mavis, and she’s dead It was supposed to be me”

“I said stop it” Confused by the words, but not by the sentiave Eve a quick shake “Snap out of it, Dallas”

Helpless, Eve pressed a hand to her spinning head “Oh my Christ, I’m drunk That’s perfect”

“I can fix that I’ve got soave her another shake “I know you hate pills, but they’ll clean the alcohol out of your bloodstreaet some into you”

“Fine Dandy I’ll be sober when I have to look at her”

She started up the steps, slipped, was surprised to find her arm taken firmly “Lieutenant” Summerset’s voice was still cool, but he held out a towel and helped her up onto the stone skirt of the pool “I’ll see that your car’s ready”

“Yeah, thanks”

chapter twelve

Mavis’s handy antidote worked like a charm Eve had a foul taste in the back of her throat, but she was stone-cold sober when she reached Channel 75’s sleek silver building