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“Yep. And here’s the thing, Lainie. Your front tires were bald. You were very lucky you weren’t killed.”
Luck had nothing to do with it. “I don’t understand. Bald?”
“Like they were freshly shaven.”
“I’m still confused.” That was an understatement.
“Like someone who just shaved their head?”
“What? No. I mean I’m confused as to how they could be bald.Never mind.” She bit her lip and glanced at the clock. “When do you think y’all will get to it?”
“Probably in the next couple of days. Gramps had to order a couple of parts. I’ll keep you updated.”
“Right. Okay, thanks.”
“Bye.”
Lainie hung up, trying to get her brain to process the words.
Bald front tires? No way. She took care of her car like she took care of her patients. Down to the last detail. She’d just put new tires on the Subaru less than six months ago. So ... why did she have bald tires? It didn’t make sense. Then again, not much did right now.
Her phone buzzed. A text from James already.
I feel rotten for leaving. Are you sure you’re okay?
Should she tell him about the tires? Yes, but not yet. She’d tell him once she had all the information.
I’m sure. I’m heading out to the shelter. Talk to you later. Oh, and please tell Cole thank you again for offering to put a new lock on my basement door.
I would do it for you, but Cole threatened to report me to my mother if I didn’t follow orders and be careful not to stress my ribs.
Knowing how the woman smothered her children when they were sick or hurt, she could understand how James managed to resist doing the work himself. And yet, she couldn’t help the small shot of jealousy that stung her. She’d love to have a mother who ...
But she didn’t.
Your mother loves you.
He might not need the reminder, but she sent it anyway.
And I love her.
But you haven’t told her you’re home yet.
Not yet. Soon. Enjoy your furry friends, but don’t drop your guard and let me know if you see anything suspicious.
I will. Bye James.
Bye Lainie.
Before heading to the animal shelter, Lainie fixed herself a sandwich, then decided to detour to the body shop. This was something she needed to see for herself. Fingers tight on the rental’s steering wheel, she kept an eye on her mirrors for the entire ten-minute drive.
When she arrived without incident, she let out a low breath and climbed out. Sonny Carpenter, the owner of the shop, was as tall as Cole, in his midsixties, built like Santa Claus, and smelled like a chimney. Thanks to her friendship with Annie, Lainie had known the man forever.
He must have seen her pull in, because he stepped outside to greet her, arms outstretched. “What you doing here, baby girl? Annie just went to grab us coffees.”
She hugged him, then stepped back. “I’m not here to see her. I came to see you.”
“Always happy to see you, but didn’t she tell you that your car’s not going to be ready for a few days?”
