Page 89 of The Last Close Call

Joy sat back in her chair, watching Rowan closely. “I want your professional opinion on something.”

“All right.”

“Do you believe evil is inherited?”

The question surprised her. They’d been focused on genetics and science, and this topic seemed much more philosophical.

“You’re talking about the nature-versus-nurture debate,” Rowan said, not quite sure how to answer.

“Sort of. I guess I’m wondering if there’s a gene for it. Do you think it can be passed down from generation to generation like, say, red hair? Or male-pattern baldness? Can someone be born a predator?”

“I don’t know, really,” Rowan said. “There have been studies showing that particular genes affect impulse control and aggression. And although there is no ‘psychopath gene,’ certain genetic factors can make a person more prone to antisocial behavior. But upbringing matters, too. Abuse and neglect in childhood have been shown to play a role in violent behavior.”

Joy tipped her head to the side, looking unsatisfied with this answer.

Was Joy thinking about her father?

She spoke somewhat neutrally about her mother, who lived in a nursing home in Sage Springs, where Joy grew up. But whenever Arnold Kendall’s name came up, Joy’s voice turned bitter. Rowan imagined Joy’s father had been fairly authoritarian, the sort of man who would pull his teenage daughter out of high school after learning she was pregnant and banish her to live with her aunt.

Joy clearly had no fondness for her late father, which made Rowan wonder why she cared so much about his family tree. They’d spent the last few hours researching Joy’s dad’s side of the family and looking for online groups dedicated to the Kendall surname. It was a common name, and there were numerous surname projects. But Rowan still didn’t really get Joy’s fascination.

Joy’s interest in her father’s history was one of many things Rowan found curious, along with the fact that Joy only ever seemed to focus on this project when her husband was at work or out of town.

“Can I ask you something?”

Joy shrugged. “Sure.”

Despite the shrug, Joy seemed to brace herself for the question.

“Have you told Michael about any of this?”

She didn’t answer right away, and Rowan got the feeling she was about to be lied to.

“I did. After the third night of tossing and turning, he knew something was up with me, so I went ahead and told him.”

“And how did he react?” Rowan asked.

“He was surprisingly sympathetic.”

“Oh?”

“It was quite a relief, really.” She sighed. “He has two teen daughters, and them getting pregnant in high school is his worst nightmare, so I guess that’s why he was kind of sympathetic about it. But he doesn’t know I’m pursuing all this.” She gestured to the files and legal pads spread out across the table. “Michael’s not close to his extended family, so he wouldn’t understand why I’m suddenly so obsessed with mine.”

“Are you?” Rowan asked. “Obsessed?”

“I hired you, didn’t I?” She pushed her chair back. “Anything else to drink?”

“No, thanks.”

“Why are you obsessed, if you don’t mind my asking? You don’t seem very close to your father’s side.”

“Curiosity, for the most part.” She seemed to be choosing her words carefully. “And it’s important to understand where you came from, don’t you think?”

The words put a knot in Rowan’s stomach.

“You know... you mentioned insomnia. And feeling anxious,” Rowan said. “Are you worried about him finding you?”

“Him, meaning my son?” Her voice had an edge to it, and Rowan knew she needed to tread carefully here. Joy was very sensitive when it came to William Anderson.

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