Page 101 of Stone Coast

“What do you have to say about her recent death?”

That news was even more surprising. “She’s dead?”

Tyson gave me a look as he grabbed my door. That look meantkeep quiet.I climbed into the 1970 Plum Crazy Purple Barracuda. He shut the door and hustled around to the other side as the vultures swarmed.

With a twist of the ignition, the HEMI roared to life. Tyson put it into gear and eased forward. The mob would have to clear out or face the consequences.

The sea parted, and we pulled out of the parking lot.

“Catch me up to speed,” Tyson said. “Don’t leave anything out, and don’t lie to me.”

50

“You don’t listen very well,” Tyson said.

“We’ve already established my propensity to ignore good advice,” I replied dryly.

He just shook his head.

“I thought you had an obligation in Europe.”

“I should have never left you here by yourself.”

“I’m a grown woman. I can take care of myself.”

“How’s that working out for you?”

I sneered at him.

We drove in silence for a moment, listening to classic rock on the radio.

“Where are we going?”

“I’m taking you back to Coconut Key. You’re going to stay with me until I can sort this thing out.”

“Oh, no! I’m staying right here. And I’m sorting this out.”

He gave me a look. “Like I said, how’s that working out for you?”

I frowned at him again. “You’re not the boss of me!”

“I’m trying to look out for you. Which is a difficult thing to do.”

I couldn’t argue. I had become a handful.

We rode for a while in silence.

In a meek voice, I asked, “Was I always this way?”

He gave me another look like I needn’t ask.

“Take me to my boat.”

“I don’t think that’s a good idea.”

“I haven’t been home in a day, and there are things I need.”

“Where’s your bug-out bag?”