Page 55 of Tide and Seek

“Stolen?”She blinked at me.“Really?”

“That’s what the cop said.”

She pulled her brows together in a scowl.“That’s a likely story.That’s the oldest trick in the book.”

I was surprised at how suspicious she was.“You think they’re lying?”

“Possibly.”She sniffed.“It’s very common for people to try and say their car was stolen when something happens.It’s a classic dodge.”

“And you know this how?”

She laughed.“Don’t look at me like that.I dated a cop for a while.We broke up because he was too bossy, but he had tons of great stories.He told me that it’s common for drunk drivers to flee the scene of an accident and then lie and say their car was stolen.”

“Seriously?”

“Yep.”She shrugged.“The thing is, they’re so dumb they usually call about the stolen car after the crash, so it looks completely sus.”

I nodded.“I don’t know if that’s what happened here or not.The deputy just said the car had been reported stolen.”

She sighed.“Too bad I don’t still talk to my ex.He might have been able to give me the scoop about your case.”

“Is that allowed?”I frowned.

She didn’t address my comment.“Wouldn’t it have been fun if I were still dating that cop guy?Then you and I would both have cops for boyfriends.”

“Wouldn’t that have been something?”I murmured, uncertain why that would have been fun.

She glanced toward her car where she’d left the driver’s side door open.“Oh, I’d better unload my groceries.I have ice cream in one of the bags.”

“Do you need help?”I offered, mostly because I knew she’d have offered if our positions were reversed.

“Nope.I got it handled.It’s just a few bags.”She started to walk away, but stopped and turned back toward me.“You’re still coming to the BBQ tomorrow night, right?”She looked hopeful.“It’s in your honor.You can’t bail on me, Max.”

I winced inwardly but forced myself to say, “I wouldn’t dream of bailing.So long as Royce is up for it, I’m game.”

She brightened immediately.“Oh, good.James and Luke have both confirmed.I’ve also got some friends and people from work coming, hope that’s okay?”

“Of course.It’s your party.”

“Sure, but I want you to have fun and I know you don’t love strangers.”She came closer again, glancing around and lowering her voice.“I wanted the party to be festive, but lately James has been so moody, and I never know what Luke is going to do.He could fall asleep on the couch, or hang from the chandelier.He’s so erratic lately.I figured I’d invite some normal people from work who I know are always in a good mood and up for anything.”

I frowned.“James has been moody?”

“Yes.He’s been a real grouch.”

It was unusual for C.J.to say anything critical about her friends.“Do you know why?”I prayed it wasn’t because of me.

“Well…” She bit her bottom lip.“Pretty sure it has to do with his work.”

“I thought he was doing really well at work.”

“He is, but he’s up for a big promotion at the hospital, so he’s under even more pressure than usual.They’re choosing a new Section Chief of Vascular Surgery, and James is in the running.”

“Really?”I was genuinely happy to hear that.“That’s great.”

“I know, right?Basically, he’d be running that entire specialty—hiring, budgets, research projects, the works.It’s one of those jobs that comes with prestige and a fat paycheck, not to mention influence.”

“He always was interested in climbing the ladder.”I smiled faintly.I’d been just like him at one time, but now the thought of it just made me tired.