Page 46 of Rastor

"Well, itlookslike mine. But apparently, it can drive all by itself."

"Hmm."

"Even when it's broken down."

"Or maybe," I said, "it was just a dead battery."

One quick jump with my jumper cables, and the engine was up and running. I'd left my sedan in the restaurant parking lot, and then, I'd driven Chloe's little Fiesta back to her place.

I'd parked it in her driveway, and then I'd walked back home. A peace offering? Maybe. But I'd have done it regardless.

"Aha!" she said. "You went and got it, didn't you?"

The smile in her voice warmed me to the core. "It depends," I said. "If I did, is that a good thing? Or a bad thing?"

She hesitated. "What if itisa good thing?"

"Then it was all me."

"And if it's abadthing?" she asked.

"In that case," I told her, "blame Bishop."

"Your brother?" she laughed. "Why him?"

"Because he's already on your list, so I figure, eh, what's the difference?"

"Heeeey," she said, "you'reon my list too."

"I know. And I’m trying like hell to getoffit."

"So, that's why you did it?"

"Nope. I'd have done it anyway."

"I've gotta ask," she said, "how'd you do it? It's not like you had my keys."

Who needed keys? Not me. "Long story," I said.

"Yeah, I just bet." Her voice warmed. "Still, thanks for the help. Seriously."

"Hey Chloe?"

"Yeah?"

"You might wanna get a new battery."

"Really?"

"Yeah. The car's starting okay now, but you know how these things go. Vintage cars. They're tricky, right?"

She was quiet a long time. When she finally spoke, the smile in her voice was gone. "How about your car? Is it, uh–"

"It's fine."

I'd seen my car on my way into the restaurant parking lot. It was dented and battered, with shattered headlights and missing mirrors. If the towing company had followed my instructions, it was now sitting in my bonus garage, waiting for me to fix it up again, or who knows, torch the thing and be done with it.

"Oh c'mon Lawton," Chloe said, "I know it's not fine. I was there. Remember?"