True Evil (66 page)

Chris dropped the tape into the fire. As the plastic melted, a harsh toxic odor rose from the flames. They stood and moved a few steps away.

"Leave the past in the past?" Alex asked.

He nodded, his eyes on hers. "You could try that, too, you know?"

Without warning, he raised his fingers to her face and touched the cluster of scars around her right eye. Alex flinched and started to pull back, but something steadied her, and she endured it.

"You hated Thora's beauty, didn't you?" he said softly, his fingers exploring the discolored flesh.

Shivering within, she nodded without speaking.

"Thora was perfect on the outside," Chris said. "But inside…she was ugly. Selfish and cruel."

"That doesn't make this easier."

He looked down into her face. "You must know those scars don't matter."

She smiled wistfully. "But they do. I know, because there was a time when I didn't have them. And people treated me differently."

He leaned forward and pressed his lips to the worst scar, a purplish ridge of tissue beneath her temple. "Like this?"

So deeply was Alex moved that she felt driven to turn away, but Chris held her in place. "I asked you a question," he said.

"Maybe," she whispered, covering her mouth with a shaking hand. "Something like that."

A high-pitched scream echoed over the water. They both looked downstream. Ben and Jamie were racing up the creek, splashing water high above their heads as they drew near. Jamie's right arm was held high, and Ben was pointing at it as they ran.

"I think they've found something," Chris said.

"Looks like it."

Chris let his hand fall, then took her hand in his and led her across the warm sand. "Let's go see what it is."

Alex wiped her eyes with her free hand and followed him into the cool, clear water.

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

As always, I am indebted to many individuals for their help in the writing of this novel. I am constantly amazed and gratified to see how generous people are with their time when they know they are contributing to a creative enterprise

First and foremost, I thank the physicians who gave of their time: Joe Files, MD, Rod Givens, MD, Tom Carey, MD, Jerry Iles, MD.

No reader should infer that the Medical Center in the novel is based on the University of Mississippi Medical Center. I did not visit the actual Cancer Institute there until my first draft was completed, specifically to minimize any accidental similarities that might occur. Anyone familiar with the real UMC will see that I have created a fictional hospital with a fictional staff. That said, I want all readers to know that Dr. Files and his colleagues have built a world-class facility in Jackson, especially as regards their bone marrow transplant unit. I urge all Mississippians, and all Americans concerned with providing healthcare to some of our nation's most disadvantaged citizens, to support the UMC Cancer Institute with their dollars. You could not find a worthier cause.

Second, many friends have supplied expertise that helped a great deal with this book. Mike MacInnis, a fine lawyer and great friend from my college days, helped in a pinch. Also Lee Jones, Clinton Heard, Kent Hudson, Betty Iles, Nancy Hungerford, and Curtis Moroney.

For his help in all stages of the process, my good friend and former editor, Ed Stackler.

My appreciation also to the professionals in the chain, primarily for seeing my books as more than business: Aaron Priest, Susan Moldow, and Louise Burke. Thanks also to Eileen Hutton at Brilliance Audio for her generous support of Trinity Episcopal Day School.

For their help with the remarkable and exciting cover shoot of a rather irritated cottonmouth water moccasin: Ben Hillyer (photographer), Keith Benoist (snake wrangler), Terry Vandeventer (herpetologist), Amanda Hargrove (bed provider), Melissa Morrison (decor), Jane Hargrove (beer and food and reminding us that "YOU'RE TOO CLOSE TO THE SNAKE!").

At least one mistake of fact finds it way into each of my books, and some have more. The above experts are absolved of everything. All mistakes are mine.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

GREG ILES is the author of ten
New York Times
bestselling novels, including
Turning Angel, Blood Memory, The Footprints of God, Sleep No More, Dead Sleep, The Quiet Game,
and
24 Hours
(released by Sony Pictures as
Trapped
). He lives in Natchez, Mississippi.