Page 117 of The Lady on Esplanade

“Good.You’ll be needing them.”She pointed a finger with a long black-lacquered nail at my front door.“Bring your sister to come see me.We have much to discuss.You will need her help to find Buddy.”

Beau frowned.“Felicity?But I don’t—”

“She’s stronger than most.And much stronger than you.”She walked back to the street, then turned around.Directing her attention toward me, she said, “You have a new car.”

“Yes,” I said slowly.“Although technically it’s not new, nor is it mine, but—”

“Be careful.”Without another word, she turned and left.

Beau and I stared at each other.“I’ll go and see if there’s anything Jolene needs.”He disappeared inside, leaving me alone on the porch.My gaze traveled to the red Ford Mustang parked at the curb, where Jaxson had thoughtfully delivered it the day before.

Even I, who knew nothing about automobiles, found it almost sexy in a red, shiny, retro kind of way.I stood and hopped up to theporch railing to get a better look.It didn’t have airbags or antilock brakes, which might have been what Zoe was warning me about.

The car’s radio suddenly turned on and began playing the Rolling Stones’ “Honky Tonk Women” at full blast, the song audible through the white vinyl convertible top.A dog being walked across the street suddenly bolted, pulling the leash from its owner’s hand, and took off down the sidewalk.

I retrieved my crutches, then hobbled to the front door.I would think about it later.Laterwas always so much better thanright now.I managed to open the front door and get myself and my two crutches inside before the door slammed shut behind me.