He turned to find Beryl Reisner standing beside her husband, Julian, who offered a hearty handshake. “Good to see you, Detective.”
Joe returned the greeting. “Call me Joe.”
Mrs. Reisner nodded, the ostrich feather in her upswept hair quivering. “We received your invitation, and it will be our pleasure to attend.”
Joe’s eyebrows lifted. “I’m happy to hear that.”
“You must understand something, Serg—Joe.” Mrs. Reisner gripped her handbag tighter. “When I turned you away from our home when you were a teenager, I thought I acted in Lauren’s best interest. The two of you were so young, and I didn’t know you.”
“You were also mourning your sister’s recent death,” her husbandadded, “and reeling with the responsibility of an added child in your care. Not to mention how angry you were that Lawrence had missed Goldie’s passing.”
“You were protective,” Joe said. “I understand.”
Mrs. Reisner almost smiled. “But the point is, we know you now. And we’re coming.”
The corner of Joe’s mouth hooked up at this understated sentiment, but he felt no less grateful for it. He thanked them, and they took their leave.
At last, the lecture hall emptied of everyone but Joe and Lauren. She met him halfway up the center aisle, her shimmering eyes brighter than the peacock colors of her beaded dress. She was luminous.
“Congratulations,” he said and kissed her. “You were wonderful. Everyone loved it. I’m proud of you.”
A quiet laugh tripped over her lips. “For not running away or hiding?”
He looped his hands around her waist. “I know how hard that was for you, but you did it anyway. You faced it, and look what happened. Instead of being humiliated, you were celebrated.”
She shook her head in apparent wonder. “That was a surprise. Thank you for coming. You didn’t have to wait for me.”
“I wanted to.”
Lauren returned his smile. “I’m glad, because I have news. Dr. Breasted came tonight, and he told me there’s a spot on his epigraphic survey team for this coming fall. He asked me to take it.”
“Epigraphic Survey—that’s in Egypt, right?”
“Yes, it would be for six months. We’d be recording ancient temple hieroglyphs with Dr. Breasted’s system. He asked me to come and do the translation work on-site.”
Six months of not seeing her face. Half a year of not hearing her voice, or holding her hand, or kissing her, when they’d lost years together already. But Joe shoved his selfishness away. Lauren wanted this, and he wanted what she wanted. Missing her already, he forceda smile. “I did get you the outfit for Christmas—it would be a shame to let it go to waste.”
“I haven’t said yes.”
“You haven’t? Isn’t this one of your long-term goals?”
Her shoulder lifted and fell. “Well, yes. But it’s not the only one. It’s not even the most important one anymore. I once believed field experience would fill not just a spot on my résumé but a hole in my spirit. I’d hoped working in the field would please my father, and I’d finally have his approval. But that hole I felt, that something missing, isn’t there anymore. I’m whole and complete as I am. I finally realize that my true Father is already pleased with me. I don’t have to prove or achieve anything to earn the love He’s freely given.”
A hard-earned peace lit her countenance, drawing a smile from Joe. He’d seen, since Lauren was twelve years old, the way Lawrence Westlake had affected her. At last she was free of him, or at least well on her way. Deep wounds took time to heal.
“I bet you never thought you’d hear me say this,” she said, “but I don’t need to work in Egypt to be happy.”
Joe studied her determined expression, from unblinking eyes to the set of her chin, and chose his next words carefully. As much as he’d miss her if she went, he’d feel worse if she gave up the opportunity and regretted it later.
He lifted her hands and kissed them. “I’m glad you can be happy regardless. But that doesn’t mean you need to reject an unexpected blessing. Who knows but that this is God’s gift to you? When does Dr. Breasted need an answer?”
“Not for a few weeks.” She paused, and he could see her mind working. “It wouldn’t be a career change or anything. It would be a one-time experience. As long as Mr. Robinson would allow me a leave of absence.”
“He wouldn’t keep you from this,” Joe predicted. “And neither would I.”
She laid a hand on his cheek. “If I go—and I’m not saying I will for sure yet—but if I do, I’ll come back, Joe. I’m not my father. Thejoy is in the coming home to people who love me. To the man I love more than anything.”
“Someone I know?” Joe grinned, and she stood on her toes to embrace him. He breathed in the apple blossom scent of her hair and kissed the spot behind her ear. Maybe he should put the rest of his plan for this evening on hold, since Dr. Breasted’s offer had given them plenty to think about. But he couldn’t wait any longer. He’d learned much from his childhood hero, Joseph Petrosino. Courage. Risk. Duty and sacrifice. And not to give up on love just because the future was unpredictable.
