Page 96 of Evil Bones
Mostly, we critiqued our departed dinner guest.
Katy had found him amusing and “wicked” smart.
For me the jury was out. While I sensed a gargantuan ego hovering below the surface, the man was pleasant enough company, witty, and well-mannered. And he’d brought flowers.
We’d just wedged the last plate into the dishwasher when my mobile sounded. I’d switched the ringtone to “Hello!” fromThe Book of Mormon.
“Jesus, Mom. Who’d be calling this late?”
“Probably spam,” I said.
Katy snatched the phone from the counter.
“Unknown caller.”
“My hands are soapy. Can you hit ignore?”
She thumbed a key, then framed me up in the viewfinder.
“Say cheese.”
“Katy.” With a warning note to my voice.
“I want proof that the great Temperance Brennan washes dishes just like the rest of us.”
“Very funny.”
“Smile.”
“I’m not looking my best.”
“That’s the point.”
Knowing my daughter would not be dissuaded, and that I could delete the shot later, I made a goofy face.
“This beauty’s definitely going to theCharlotte Observer,” she said, keying in a command to forward the image to herself.
“I’m sure if you did send it to the paper there’d be a seismic spike in subscriptions.”
Katy didn’t laugh. Her eyes remained glued to my mobile, brows now crimped in confusion.
A beat, then she held the device up, screen now pointed at me.
“Holy shit, Mom.”
“What?” From across the room, I couldn’t see the pic that had caused her puzzlement.
“Why do you have this image on here?” she asked.
Grabbing a hand towel, I crossed to her.
Now I was the one to look baffled.
CHAPTER 22
“I know this man,” said Katy.
I could only stare at her.
