Eve glanced up from the computer to see Joe Quinn leaning against the doorjamb across the room. Sure I do. She took off her glasses and rubbed her eyes. One late night does not a workaholic make. Or something like that. I just had to check those mea-surements before

I know. I know. Joe came into the studio lab and dropped down in the chair beside the desk. Diane said you blew her off for lunch today.

She nodded guiltily. It was the third time that month she had canceled out on Joes wife. I explained that the Chicago P.D. needed the result. Bobby Starness parents were waiting.

Was it a match?

Close enough. I knew it was almost a certainty before I started the superimposition. There were a few teeth missing from the skull, but the dental check was very close.

Then why were you brought in?

His parents didnt want to believe it. I was their last hope.

Bummer.

Yes, but I know about hope. And when they see the way Bobbys features fit the skull, theyll know its over. Theyll accept the fact that their child is dead and it may bring closure. She glanced at the image on her computer screen. Chicago P.D. had given her a skull and a picture of seven-year-old Bobby. Working with visual equipment and her computer, she had su-perimposed Bobbys face on the skull. As she had said, the match was very close. Bobby had looked so alive and sweet in the picture it was enough to break your heart.

They were all heartbreakers, she thought wearily. Are you on your way home?

Yep.

And just dropped by to yell at me?

I feel its one of my primary duties in life.

Liar. Her gaze was on the black leather case in his hands. Is that for me?

We found a skeleton in the woods in North Gwinnett. The rain unearthed it. The animals got at it, so theres not much left, but the skull is intact. He snapped open the case. Its a little girl, Eve.

He always told her right away if it was a girl. She supposed he thought he was shielding her.

She carefully took the skull and studied it. Its not a little girl. Shes a preteen, maybe eleven or twelve. She indicated a lacy crack on the upper jaw. Shes been exposed to the cold of at least one winter. She gently touched the broad nasal cavity. And she was probably black.

That will help. He grimaced. But not much. Youll have to sculpt her. We dont have any idea who she is. No pictures for superimposition. Do you know how many girls run away from home in this town? If she was a slum kid, she might not have even been re-ported missing. The parents are usually more con-cerned with getting their crack than keeping track of their He shook his head. Sorry. I forgot. Open mouth, insert foot.

A habit with you, Joe.

Only around you. I tend to lower my guard.

Should I be honored? Her brow knit with con-centration as she studied the skull. You know Mom hasnt been on crack for years. And there are a lot of things Im ashamed of in my life, but growing up in the slums isnt one of them. I might not have sur-vived if I hadnt had it tough.

Youd have survived.

She wasnt so sure. She had been too close to going under to take either sanity or survival for granted. Want a cup of coffee? We slum kids make great java.

He flinched. Ouch. I said I was sorry.

She smiled. Just thought Id take a jab or two. You deserve it for generalizing. Coffee?

No, I have to get home to Diane. He stood up. Theres no hurry with this one if shes been buried that long. Like I said, we dont even know who were looking for.

I wont hurry. Ill work on her at night.

Yeah, you have so much time. He looked at the pile of textbooks on the table. Your mom said you were studying physical anthropology now.

Only by correspondence. I dont have time to go to classes yet.

For Gods sake, why anthropology? Dont you have enough on your plate?

I thought it might help. Ive tried to find out all I can from the anthropologists Ive worked with, but theres still too much I dont know.

Youre working too hard as it is. Your schedule is booked up for months.

Thats not my fault. She made a face. It was that damn mention your commissioner gave me on 60 Minutes. Why couldnt he keep his mouth shut? I was busy enough without getting all this out-of-town stuff.

Well, just remember who your friends are. Joe headed for the door. Dont go moving away to some highfalutin college.

Dont talk to me about highfalutin, when you went to Harvard.

That was a lifetime ago. Now Im a good ol southern boy. Follow my example and stay where you belong.

Im not going anywhere. She got up and set the skull on the shelf above her workbench. Except to lunch with Diane next Tuesday. If shell have me. Will you ask her?

You ask her. Im not running interference again. I have my own problems. Its not easy for her being a cops wife. He paused at the door. Go to bed, Eve. Theyre dead. Theyre all dead. Its not going to hurt them if you get a little sleep.

Dont be stupid. I know that. You act like Im neurotic or something. Its just not professional to ig-nore a job.

Yeah, sure. He hesitated. You ever been con-tacted by John Logan?

Who?