In Death 19 - Visions in Death

that was secured by what looked like a couple of fancy chopsticks.
    She wore skin-pants that were cropped a few inches above the ankle and a snug tank that left her midriff bare. She wore no shoes, no facial enhancements, no jewelry.
    She opened the gate, stepped back. "I was afraid you'd come. We might as well sit down." She gestured behind her to a wide space furnished with a generous S-shaped sofa the color of good red wine. There was an oversized table on each curve, and on one stood a long, shallow bowl filled with what appeared to be rocks.
    Beside it, a tall pillar candle rose out of a hammered cup.
    The floor was the original wood, by Eve's guess, and had been sanded, sealed whatever people did with old, original wood to turn it into a glossy, honey-toned sea. Brightly patterned rugs were scattered over it, as brightly patterned art was scattered over the pale green walls.
    Through archways, she spotted the kitchen, a party-sized dining area. There were open-tread, metal steps, painted a deeper green than the walls and boasting a railing that was fashioned to resemble a slim, slithering snake.
    "What's that?" Eve nodded toward the only door, shut and secured.
    "My consultant space. It has another entrance. I like the convenience of working at home when I can, but I also value my privacy. I don't take clients in this part of my house." She gestured again, toward the sofa. "Can I get you something to drink? I cancelled my consults today. I don't think I'd do anyone any good. You caught me in the middle of a yoga session. I'd like some tea myself."
    "No, thanks," Eve responded.
    "I wouldn't mind. If you're making it anyway." Celina smiled at Peabody. "Have a seat. It won't take long." Rather than sitting, Eve wandered. "You've got a big space here." "Yes. I need open spaces. I'd go crazy, for instance, in your office. You spoke with Louise?" "She contacted you?" "No. But you strike me as a thorough woman. I assume you checked my license, my record, my background, and spoke with Louise before deciding to talk to me again. You'd consider it necessary." "Louise said you were the black sheep." Celina came out, carrying a tray with a squat white pot and two fragile-looking white cups and saucers. She shot Eve a wry smile. "Yes, that's accurate. My family disapproves, and is mildly embarrassed not only by my gift but that I choose to make a living from it." "You don't need the money." "Not for financial security." She crossed the room to set the tray on the table. "But for personal satisfaction. In your circumstances, Lieutenant, you hardly need the salary the police department pays you. But I imagine you collect it just the same." She poured two cups of tea, passed one to Peabody. "I can't stop thinking about Elisa. I don't want to think of her.
    I don't want to be part of this. But I have to." "The NYPSD may hire and attach, at the primary's request, expert consultants, civilians." "Mmm-hmm." Celina arched one dark eyebrow. "And did I pass the audition?" "So far. If you're willing and able to serve as such on this matter, you'll be required to sign a contract. The contract will include a gag order, preventing you, by law, from discussing any aspect of the investigation." "I've no desire to discuss any aspect of the investigation.
    If I agree to do this, I require you to sign a document insuring that my name, my association with the investigation, will not be given to the media." "So you said before. You'll be paid a fee standard rate." Eve held out a hand to Peabody, waited while Peabody took documents out of her bag. "You'll want to read these over.
    You're free to consult a lawyer or legal representative before signing." "You're giving your word, I'm giving mine. I don't need a lawyer for that." But she crossed her legs, settled back, and read each document carefully. "I don't have a pen." Peabody pulled one out, offered it. Celina signed both documents, handed the pen off to Eve.
    "Well, that's that, isn't it?" Celina let out a breath after Eve scrawled her name on each contract. That's that. What do I do?" "Tell me again exactly what you saw." Eve laid a recorder on the table. "For the record." She went through it again, closing her eyes from time to time as she repeated details. Her hands didn't shake, and her voice stayed strong and steady, but Eve watched her pale, degree by degree as she recounted the murder.
    "And where were you when you saw this happen?" "Upstairs. In bed. My security was on, all night, as