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Stop thinking about him and you’ll stop seeing him everywhere.

Releasing a sigh, I concentrated on the passing homes and businesses. Juan might have appeared like a cheerful man, but he carried a dark weight that I knew all too well.

Perhaps talking to a stranger was his therapy. I dug into my purse for the fancy package of travel-sized bottles of lotion, soap, and essential oils. I’d gotten them from a high-end beauty brand I’d worked with recently.

“Here. Give these to your wife. These are limited edition. You’ll be her favorite guy.” I dropped the package onto the front passenger seat.

He looked over at the package and inhaled the rose scent. “She’s going to love these. Thank you. You didn’t have to do that.”

“You’re—”

The car screeched to a sudden stop, and my body jerked. A man wearing a blue tank top and a black cap banged on thedriver’s side door angrily. My heart pounded with fear as another man squirted something on the windshield and began wiping the surface with a cloth.

“You owe me ten dollars for cleaning the windshield. For twenty, we’ll clean the back too.”

My mouth dropped open at the unabashed ploy to get cash. I could hear the crooks through the shut window.

Juan’s jaw tensed, but he remained cool and collected. He opened his wallet and rolled down the window just enough for his fingers to slip a ten-dollar bill to the guy with the cap. Grinning, the two men retreated to the sidewalk and disappeared, probably waiting for another car to trap. Juan continued down the street as though nothing had occurred.

Appalled and angry, I asked, “What was that all about? Why did you give him money?”

He let out a heavy breath. “If I don’t give them the money, they’llblock the car, scratch it up, or slash my tires. They get violent.” He shook his head. “The city hasn’t been able to resolve this issue. The police are having a tough time stopping these guys. They get rid of some for a while. Then you turn around, and they’re back. I think our lives are worth more than ten bucks.”

I couldn’t believe the tactics being used by people these days. People did stupid things online for views and such, so this shouldn’t have surprised me. There were homeless people everywhere, even in Providence. I’d given money when asked nicely, but I’d experienced nothing like this brazen entrapment. These criminals knew people would rather pay them than risk having to deal with other consequences. Why didn’t these idiots spend the energy they put into defrauding people toward something useful, like getting a steady income?

Wasn’t that a billion-dollar question?

Maybe they’re desperate, Kiera.

My mom’s medical bills flashed in my head, and I could see how desperation forced a person to do unthinkable things.

I’d keep this odd incident in mind when I had to use the rental car supplied by FitFlex during my stay here. What would I have done if I had been driving alone and encountered these guys? I wouldn’t have known to pay them, and that could have cost me my life.

Juan turned down a street lined with trees and luxurious homes. They had lovely landscaping and fancy fencing. These homes were set farther apart than the houses near the Austin Airport. I preferred the space. I loved city life, but I didn’t want to hear my neighbor’s conversation and certainly didn’t want him or her to hear mine. One day I’d get a place of my own with a yard and all. But for now, I was happy with my quaint condo that gave me parking during the snow season and where I didn’t have to worry about home maintenance.

“I’m surprised those losers are creeping into the nicer neighborhoods. They won’t be there for long. The wealthy have a louder voice.”

I tried to shake off the odd sensation that became more prominent after the incident. Maybe I’d touched something with a negative vibe. My friends and I had gone to a mystical fair in college where we had psychic readings with tarot cards and all. The lady had used sage to clear my energy. She said it was too cluttered.

I felt cluttered now. Maybe it was time for me to find someone to help me shake this bad luck. I didn’t always believe in this kind of woo-woo stuff, but I had an open mind. There were certain things that couldn’t be explained logically.

The car drove up to the Sabian Creek Campground, a well-maintained property secluded by woods facing a beautiful lake. The main lodge had three levels with large windows. Several cabins spread all around the complex, allowing for a private oasis.

“It’s more beautiful in person,” I sighed.

Sunlight sprinkled the lake like a layer of sparkling diamonds. A light breeze blew by, and the waves of diamonds winked as men fished in boats and people walked along the shore. I understood why FitFlex wanted the photo shoot here. The atmosphere would help sell their activewear perfectly.

“I’d love to live in a house by the water one of these days. That’s one of Catherine’s dreams,” Juan said as he pulled into a parking spot by the main office.

“You will. Remember what I said?”

“Yes, ma’am.” Smiling, he tapped his temple. “Keep it positive.”

After hauling my luggage out of the trunk, Juan saluted me.

“Been a pleasure, Kiera. Enjoy your stay. Sorry you had to experience that unfortunate incident.”

“Don’t worry about it.” I swatted the air. “Thank you for the interesting ride.”