Page 11 of Nails

“Sure.We’ll leave after work on Friday.”Nails replied.

As the party carried on around him, Nails stared out the glass doors at the fading sunlight as his mind raced.Whatever his mom was hiding, he was going to get to the bottom of it.

By the time Riley pulled into her driveway, she felt like every bone in her body had been replaced with lead.Her chest ached, and the dull throb behind her breastbone reminded her with every breath of how lucky she was to be still alive.The hot shower back at the office and a fresh change of clothes helped a little.At least she was able to scrub away the dirt and grime from the filthy house, but exhaustion clung to her like a second skin.

She looked longingly at her front door, which was just twenty feet away.It was so close.But of course, life had one more favor to cash in before she could collapse into her comfy bed.

She glanced at the two bags of groceries sitting beside her on the passenger seat.With a sigh that felt too dramatic for someone her age, Riley grabbed the bags and trudged next door.

She hit the doorbell button with her elbow.The door cracked open, and Ms.Torres peeked out, her cell phone wedged between her shoulder and ear.“Hold on a second,” she said into the phone before placing her hand over the receiver as if to keep the person on the phone from hearing.She looked at Riley and smiled.“There’s my favorite girl.”

Riley grinned.“Hi, Ms.Torres.”

Ms.Torres gave Riley a playful glare.“How many times do I have to tell you to call me Lucy?”

Riley chuckled.“I don’t know, maybe a few times.The way you glare and wag your finger at me makes me smile.”

Ms.Torres playfully rolled her eyes before opening the door, revealing her booted foot.

“Get your sassy butt in here.Go on into the kitchen.I’ll be there in a second.I just need to finish up this call.”

Laughing, Riley nodded and stepped inside.She could tell that Ms.Torres had been baking because the house smelled like brownies, which were Riley’s favorite.

She walked into the kitchen and began putting the groceries away.Her body protested with every movement, and her chest screamed when she bent slightly to shove a pack of paper towels under the sink.God, I just want to go home,she thought.She loved Ms.Torres more than she would admit out loud, but today, she just wanted her own bed, a heating pad, and a good night's sleep.

A minute later, the familiar sound of thumping echoed down the hall, and Riley turned to see Ms.Torres hobbling in on her broken foot, sans scooter.

“Oh, come on,” Riley scolded with her hands on her hips.“Where’s your fancy scooter?Don’t make me call your doctor.”

Ms.Torres waved her off.“Oh, please, that thing makes me feel like a one-legged pirate with a training wheel.I hate it.”

Riley snorted.“Yeah, well, if you keep stomping around like that, the HOA’s gonna fine you for unsanctioned pirate activity.”

Ms.Torres chuckled as she eased into a kitchen chair.“You’re mouthy today.”

“You’re lucky I’m too tired to roast you properly,” Riley said, closing the fridge.

Ms.Torres waved her hand like she was brushing crumbs off the table.“Sorry about earlier.That was my son on the phone.I haven’t heard from him in a while.”

Riley turned with a raised brow.“How’s he doing?”

“Oh, he’s fine,” she said, waving it off.“He’s actually coming to visit next weekend.I’ll have to make a list of chores so I can hear him complain about it.”

Riley laughed softly.“Well, I’m sure you’re looking forward to seeing him.Is he still working for the government?”

Ms.Torres nodded.“Something like that.You know I don’t ask too many questions.I figure if he wants to tell me, he will.”

That was fair.Riley had her own share of secrets at work.

“Well, that’s great.I’m sure he’ll love spending the weekend catering to your every need.”

Ms.Torres grinned and leaned back in the chair.“Did I mention he’s in his thirties and single?”

Riley paused, holding a bag of spinach in one hand.“Are you trying to play matchmaker?”

“I might be,” she said, shrugging unapologetically.“I mean, you’re gorgeous, smart, tough, and the best quality of all is that you’re kind.What mother wouldn’t want to throw her son at that?”

Riley laughed as she shook her head.“You are something else.You know, I’m not really interested in a relationship right now.Work keeps me busy, and let’s be honest, most men don’t exactly love the fact that I’m in law enforcement.