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“Are you sure this isn’t a bother?” I ask him as I stare at his profile.
Sebastian Wolf turns to look at me, his blue eyes scanning my face. “I just finished a training exercise with a handful of rookies. I was on my way to headquarters to drop off the car when Matilda called and said you were in trouble.”
I’m grateful that Tilly called him.
He shifts his gaze back to the road as he goes on, “I almost came racing down here with my gun drawn.”
“When Tilly said she was sending a car, I had no idea it was a police car.” I manage a soft laugh. “I left my store without my purse.”
“How did you get to Greenwich Village?” He stops the sedan at a red light.
“When I got to the subway I realized I didn’t have my MetroCard, or my wallet, or my keys.” I rest my head against the headrest.
“Are you a jumper?” He laughs. “Tell me you didn’t jump the turnstile and ride for free.”
“In this skirt?” I smooth my hands over my lap.
“You busked for change? I’ve heard you sing at karaoke, Kate. It must have taken hours for you to make fare with that voice.”
I laugh at his repeated jokes. I know he’s trying to cheer me up. The text message I sent to Tilly was ominous.
I told her I was falling apart and needed her.
She replied that I had to get in a taxi and head out to her house in Queens.
That’s when I responded that I didn’t have my wallet or my keys.
“I gave Natalie money to get us coffee this afternoon. When she came back to the store, I shoved the change in my pocket. It was just enough.”
“It’s your lucky day.”
I shake my head. “I wouldn’t say that.”
My phone chimes. I glance down at the text message from Natalie in response to the one I just sent to her asking if I can stop by her apartment to pick up her set of keys to the boutique so I can get my things.
Natalie: I’m still at work. I’m getting a head start on inventory.
“Good news?” he asks as he drives through an intersection.
“Very good news.” I breathe a small sigh of relief. At least something is falling into place for me tonight. “Can you take me to my store?”
“On one condition.” He flicks on the right turn signal.
“What’s that?”
“Let Matilda take care of you tonight.” He flashes me a smile. “My wife is worried about you. I don’t know what you’re dealing with, Kate, but we’re both here for you. Have dinner with us. I’ll do the cooking.”
“You two are the best.”
“Matilda is the best.” He sighs. “I have no idea what I did in my past life to deserve that woman.”
I stare out the window as we drive through the city. He doesn’t push for more conversation. Sebastian knows instinctively when to give someone time with his or her thoughts.
Once he pulls up to the boutique, I unbuckle my seatbelt. “I’ll be back in a minute.”
“This is a no parking zone so make it quick.” He chuckles.
I step out of the car and glance down at the blue NYPD logo on the side. “I think you’ll be all right.”
