Diana Racine 02 - Goddess of the Moon

wouldn’t tell Diana about his visit to the mission , let alone Slater’s disappointment she wasn’t with him, when he got to her house he told her anyway . He could have written her response beforehand. She never disappointed.
    “I want to go.”
    “No way. I didn’t tell you that to encourage a visit. I’m only reporting what happened.”
    “I know, but maybe I can get something out of him.”
    “That’s what I’m afraid of.” Damn right, that’s what I’m afraid of.
    Diana arched one brow. “You’re not jealous, are you?”
    Lucier turned away, unwilling to look her in the eye. He could usually hide his feelings, but not where she was concerned. “Don’t be ridiculous.”
    “Really .”
    It wasn’t a question.
    “ I heard the panic in your voice when we were in his office ,” she said . “ You couldn’t wait to get me out of there.”
    He turned to face her. “ Y ou’re right. The man’s probably a Satanist, a baby kidnapper, and a serious sex addict, considering all those beautiful young girls who furnish a constant supply of infant nourishment. Who knows? Maybe he keeps them pregnant. You saw the look on Brigid’s face. She worships him. Tell me that didn’t enter your mind.”
    Diana let out a long breath . “I thought of it. Slater is a handsome, sexy man who ’ d have no trouble enticing young women to be his sex slave.”
    Lucier didn’t like Diana’s description, because he couldn’t be objective where Slater was concerned. He was allowing personal feelings to interfere with a case . It was wrong and unprofessional.
    “I remember the way Brigid looked at him,” Diana continued. “And guess what it says about Nona in the mythology book. She’s the goddess of pregnancy.”
    Lucier slapped the sofa. “What did I tell you? ”
    “Okay, so you might be right.”
    “ Those two women are long gone . I told Ralph Stallings about my meeting with Slater. The feds questioned him too, but they came up as empty as I did.”
    “Let me go, Ernie. Slater’s curious about me. I think he’s afraid I might read him, but on the other hand, he’s willing to tempt fate. He can’t help himself.”
    “I won’t allow it.” The minute the words came out of his mouth, he knew they were a mistake.
    “You can’t stop me.”
    “ Could I ever? Once you’ve made up your mind, you’ll do what you damn well please. I recall you going off to meet a man who was hell bent on killing you.”
    “I knew you’d bring that up.” She sighed heavily. “This is different. This is … intellectual.”
    Lucier didn’t like that response either. “ Fine, go. But I’ll be nearby. In case.”
    “I wouldn’t have it any other way,” she said.
    He hoped she couldn’t decipher what he said under his breath.
    * * * * *
    D iana debated whether to drop into the mission or to call first. She decided to play it straight and phone . Slater claimed he was delighted to hear from her and a sked if two that afternoon suited. She said it did.
    She arrived at exactly the appointed hour , and one of the women cleaning up after lunch ushered her into Slater’s office.
    “Thanks for seeing me, Mr. Slater.”
    “It was I who asked to see you, Ms. Racine. I’m surprised the lieutenant told you.” He still didn’t offer his hand, nor did he take hers when she held it out.
    Diana stared at her empty hand and grinned. “ Y ou still refuse to touch me. Why? ”
    “I find your gift fascinating but not enough to let you glean anything from my touch. You may be able to anyway, but I’d rather not make it easy.”
    “ A re you afraid I might see what you’re hiding?”
    “Of course. We all hide things, don’t we?”
    His honesty always caught her off guard. “Oh, not me. My life’s been an open book for twenty-five years. Everyone knows my story.”
    “I researched you before you came. I’d give anything to have your talents. Not for entertainment but for the insight to help people.”
    Diana made a circle of his office, stopping in front of the bookcase . “Is that what you’re all about, Mr. Slater? Helping people?”
    “Not all. I hope there’s more to me than that .”
    She ran her finger across the book bindings , scanning the titles. “I’m sure there is . ” Turning, she said, “ You’re interested in the metaphysical, the abstract , and the unexplainable. A man searching to find his way in life.” She flicked a finger at a familiar book, one she’d read long ago. “You have a