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“Yes, that’s what happened.” I looked around. “I understand you still have the car.”
“Yeppers, got it done. It was damn near a total loss. The only thing that kept it from being totaled was that the car has so much value.”
“I have reason to believe the airbag might have been tampered with, and that’s why it didn’t deploy. I’d like to take a look at the car, if you don’t mind.”
“You a cop?”
“No, just a friend of the family of the woman who was injured. She’s lucky to be alive.”
Shem spit on the ground. “I’ll say. That car was sure wrecked. And no airbag?” He whistled. “She’s damned lucky for sure.”
“About the car? May I see it?”
“Sir, it’s not your car. I can’t release it to anyone but the owner.”
“Has the owner been in to claim it?”
“No, sir, he hasn’t. Damnedest thing. We’ve called him every day twice a day for the last week. No one can get hold of him.”
Shocking. “Listen, I’d be happy to make it worth your while if you let me have a look at the vehicle. Even more if you let me bring an expert to look at it.”
“Sorry, sir. Without a cop, without a warrant, I can’t do it.”
I pulled two Benjis out of my wallet. “How about now?”
He pocketed them. “Meet me here at seven. Sharp.”
I nodded. “Thank you.” I left.
I guessed we’d be staying in the city for the night. At least I would be.
I picked up some takeout from a local place and drove back to the hospital. Jade and her dad were happy to have some decent food.
“I’d like to take you to dinner,” Brian said. “Get to know you a little better.”
My neck chilled. Get to know him a little better? Shit. Talk about a scary thing. So I made excuses. I hoped Jade would understand.
“I’d appreciate that, but I can’t. While I was making my business calls, something came up at the orchard, and I need to get back. Baby, go ahead and stay here. Take a cab home if you want. Or spend the night here with your father, and you can see your mom in the morning.”
It was a coward’s way out. But I couldn’t stomach the thought of sitting here in the hospital for the next six hours trying to make small talk with Jade’s father. I had to stay until seven, to meet Shem over at the body shop. What would I do in the meantime? I could go back to the ranch and then drive back this evening. Better yet? I’d find a so-called expert to take a look at the car and make it worth his while to come back with me at seven sharp.
Chapter Twenty-One
Jade
Getting my mother settled in
a normal hospital room was good for my spirits. I wished Talon could have stayed. I so wanted them to meet. But perhaps it was best that he hadn’t. I could tell being around my father made him nervous. I wasn’t sure why. My dad was the easiest person in the world to get along with. But like Talon had said, he’d never met a girlfriend’s father before.
Girlfriend.
The word sounded so juvenile, but it would have to do for now.
My mom was more alert than I’d seen her in a while. The move out of ICU was definitely doing her good. I desperately wanted to ask some questions, but I didn’t want to upset her.
“Is there anything I can get you, Mom?”
“No, no. I’m just so glad to be out of that sterile environment.”
