Page 121 of No Headlines Please

I wasn't even a guest at that hotel.

Did they have some way of knowing?

Or did they count on their sky-high parking rates to keep cars from squatting, long-term, like I'd been squatting at Tessa's?

From the doorway, Janet said, "You did hear my question, right?"

"Uh…yeah." I tried to think. "I mean…first I have to leave Chicago, but then, I'm not sure. I might spend some time on the beach, maybe get a little cabin for the summer. And after that, who knows."

She frowned. "A cabin at the beach? Isn't that more of a woods thing?"

"I guess," I admitted. And yet, I had been picturing a little cabin, someplace where I could write my little heart out while getting some emotional distance from Chicago. With a shrug, I said, "Or maybe I'll get a beach-side hotel."

"In June?" she said with another frown. "Isn't everything booked up?"

Okay, now I was getting a little annoyed. Still, I forced a smile. "You know what? I guess I'll find out. But the first step is getting my car, so—"

"Hey, I know! I'll take you."

"You mean…to get my car?" I forced a laugh. "Or to the beach?"

"Either one." She brightened. "I love the beach. And cabins, too."

"I…um…" Was she serious? I wasn't sure if I should feel flattered or freaked out.

My thoughts must've shown on my face because she rushed to add, "Don't worry. We don't have to room together or anything."

I almost took a step backward. "But what about your research job?"

"Oh, that," she said with a breezy wave of her hand. "I can do that from anywhere."

A prickle of unease crept up my spine. "But what about your apartment? You literally just moved in."

"Yeah, but it's week-to-week." She shrugged. "And it's furnished. I can leave whenever."

And she wanted to leave with me?

Well, that wasn't a giant red flag or anything.

I cleared my throat. "Oh. Well, that's really convenient."

"I know, right?" She leaned toward me. "How about this? I'll take you to get your car, and we can talk about it on the way."

"Oh…gosh." I hesitated. "That's really nice of you to offer, but actually, Walt's taking me instead."

Good golly.

I just prayed it was true.

48

The Great Car Mystery

Delaney

In the hotel parking garage, I looked from Walt to my car. My brow creased in confusion. "It's in a different spot."

Next to me, Walt said, "No, it's not." He pointed. "Look. Section Three, just like you said."