Silencing Eve

tides, waves, or man. It’s a form of marine debris.”
    “Anything about a connection between driftwood and graveyards … tombstone … death?”
    “No, actually, it’s usually considered beneficial to life. Driftwood provides shelter and food for birds. Fish and other aquatic species as it floats in the ocean. Gribbles, shipworms, and bacteria decompose the wood and gradually turn it into nutrients that are reintroduced into the food chain. The wood can also become the foundation for sand dunes when it comes ashore. On the surface, nothing sinister, Catherine.”
    “Eve saw something sinister. Where does the majority of the driftwood come from?”
    “Hard to determine exactly because of wave erosion. Most of the driftwood comes from remains of trees washed into the water by storms, flooding, or other disasters. Other causes are logging, cargoes from ships, buildings, ships themselves. There was one hell of a flood of driftwood that came ashore from the Japanese tsunami.”
    Catherine recalled seeing the news stories about the tons of horrible ghostly debris that had washed ashore. She had never thought of those huge boats, tools, and fragments ripped from the farms and seaports of Japan as driftwood. Yet evidently they were. “I don’t think that Kevin’s driftwood was from that disaster. The time frame isn’t right. Is there anything else that you found unusual?”
    “I told you, interesting but probably not of value. Let me think … Okay, you’re not supposed to burn driftwood. It produces dioxins which are carcinogenic. Very unhealthy because of the chlorine of the seawater.”
    “I didn’t even know there was chlorine in seawater. But burning driftwood isn’t an immediate killer?”
    “No.”
    “And that’s all?”
    “You’ve pumped me dry, Catherine.” He added solemnly, “No, how could I have forgotten. One more thing. According to Norse mythology, the first humans, Ask and Embla, were formed out of two pieces of driftwood, an ash and an elm by the god Odin and his brothers. Do you think it’s of any importance?”
    “Very funny.”
    “No, but I had to strike a light note. For the most part, the visit was very boring. And I only gave you the highlights. I would have invited you to come along if you hadn’t been tied up. Though I hope not literally.” He paused. “How is Zander?”
    “Stubborn.” Her gaze shifted to Zander, across the sitting room. “But I’m working on him. He’s not stupid, he must see I’m right about letting you and Joe help us.”
    Zander smiled and silently shook his head.
    “Stubborn,” she said again. “As I said, I’ve been doing some research about driftwood, too. I’ve been looking in the local newspapers to find any stories about unusual driftwood or collectors. There were a few articles about artists who use driftwood as a medium of expression.”
    “None who created graveyards with it?”
    “Not any who gave interviews about doing it. I’ve also been gently nudging Kendra.”
    “Gently?”
    “I’ve been as gentle as I could,” she said curtly. “I know she’s doing the best she can. I just need it faster.” She swallowed. “I have a feeling that we’re running out of time, Gallo. We’re all working so hard for Eve. But it’s like treading water in a whirlpool. Any minute, she could be pulled down and never come up.”
    “Then we’ll tread faster and stronger,” Gallo said. “And you’d better get Zander to do something positive. He’s still the best hope Eve has to survive.” He added. “If the bastard even cares.”
    “Oh, he cares.” Catherine met Zander’s gaze. “I know that he does.”
    “I’m not that certain,” Gallo said. “If I learn anything more about the driftwood, I’ll call you. Take care of yourself.” He hung up.
    “I’m touched by your faith in me,” Zander said with a faint smile. “Though not by your ability to read either my emotional capability or my character. Gallo was much closer in his assessment.”
    “Gallo doesn’t know anything about you.”
    “Neither do you, lovely Catherine.”
    “Enough,” she said. She hoped she was telling the truth. He was an enigma, but perhaps he had given her the tiniest glimpse. “Gallo wants some positive action from you.”
    “I heard. I really don’t care what Gallo wants. Though I’m sure that you do.”
    “It would be positive if you’d let Gallo and Joe join us here.”
    He shook his head.
    She gazed at him in frustration.