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“Why, thank you very much.” I was able to laugh because she was so caring. “Just a sleepless night.”
“Nightmares again?”
“No, the looming deadline. Plus, I just can’t seem to get out of this mind fog I’ve been in.” The lie seemed plausible.
“I’ve never known you to have writer’s block before. Maybe you need a vacation.”
“Ha. My publisher would kill me after the promise I made to her. I can’t even afford to take a real day off to be honest with you. And I did yesterday with my baby here. Can you do me a favor?”
“I can try.”
“Will you keep Dillon just for a little while after school? Maybe if I grab another hour or so I’ll manage to break the forbidden veil.”
She laughed. “Of course I will. My sweet Dillon can stay as long as you need. Are you certain there’s nothing else wrong? You don’t seem like yourself today.”
“Honestly. Just exhausted. I really wish I could take a few days off.”
“Honey. You can. You’ve been working round the clock for almost as long as I’ve known you.”
A few other parents and their kids started to arrive and I waved to a couple of them. “I will after I get this book finished. Summer is just around the corner.”
“Yeah, complete with idiots already. Sometimes I hate tourist season.”
“Did I miss something?”
She glanced from right to left as if she was getting ready to tell me the gossip of the year. Instantly, my hackles were raised.
“Supposedly there were several shots fired out on the lake a couple days ago. Probably just a wahoo enjoying the first hint of warmer weather but it’s getting more frequent every year.”
There was no chance it was a coincidence. “Why didn’t I hear about it?”
“I don’t know. I only heard from someone in the grocery store last night.”
“Let me guess. After that you called Justin.” The deputy was sweet on her, so much so he likely crossed the line keeping her informed. Sadly, she barely gave him the time of day.
She laughed. “You know me too well.”
“Did they find anyone?”
“I heard from Margie Taylor they found a boat, bodies on board, but who knows if that’s true. Justin did allude to drugs, but don’t quote me on it.”
“Drugs? Are you kidding me?”
Karen rolled her eyes. “I wouldn’t worry if I were you.”
“Shit.” I bit my lip, now wondering if maybe, just maybe the DEA was involved. That was a plausible explanation for why Sabatino would be wearing a bulletproof vest.
“I know. A perfect way to start the summer season. At least I did notice a heavier presence of the lake patrol so they’re on top of the situation as well. My guess it they’re coordinating with the sheriff’s office to try and locate whoever owns the boat.” Karen huffed. “Unfortunately, I have a feeling the drugs coming into Smith Mountain are only going to get worse.”
A boat with bodies. Oh, my God. Hair immediately stood up on the back of my neck.
“You might be right. Well, no boating for me this year,” I teased.
“Oh, no, you don’t. You’re getting out on my boat for the upcoming holiday, girl, even if I have to drag you.”
At least I was able to laugh a little easier. “Okay. Maybe once. Thanks for taking Dillon for a bit. I’ll call you when I’m headed to your house.”
“I can drop him by.”
