When I walked out the door that I saw the black car. No, a black car.You’re being paranoid.There were millions of black cars, so the chances of it being the same one were slim to none.
My nervous system didn’t believe me, but a quick look around and I saw four other black cars. I couldn’t have picked one from the others in a police lineup.
Forcing myself to walk casually, I made it to my car, tossed my bag onto the passenger seat, and slammed the door behind me. I heard John’s voice in my head “Always lock your doors.”
I hit the lock button before starting the engine. To avoid the street where I saw the car, I used the exit on the opposite side of the lot.
Not caring if I seemed paranoid, I checked the rearview mirror to make sure no one followed me.
Prince greeted me at the door. “Hey shithead, where’s Gran?” I asked as I leaned down to scratch his head. “Please tell me you didn’t destroy anything else today.”
He swished his tail and trotted down the hall.
“In the kitchen,” Gran answered. “You got flowers.”
“Who sent them?” I asked, half hoping they were from Nathan.
“There’s no note.” Bummer, I thought as I entered the kitchen.
What the fuck! Someone sent me black roses in a crystal vase.
Fucking Red Flag Finn. Who else would send me black roses?
I should call Jamie.The roses themselves weren’t a big deal, but Iwanted an official record if things escalated.
Meg answered on the second ring. “Sheppard and Sons Invest—”
“Hey Meg, it’s Ashley.”
“Is everything okay?”
“Yes, no. I don’t know.” I sighed. “Is Jamie available?”
“He’s in a meeting.”
“What about Jack or AJ?” Really, anyone not named Nathan would do.
“I’ll put you through to Jack.”
Soft music filled the line while I waited.
“Hey Ashley, what’s wrong?”
“Someone sent me black flowers, without a note.”
“You think they’re from Finn?”
“Probably. Who else would send them?”
“Who delivered them?”
“I don’t know. They came while I was at Grannie’s. Hold on.” I held the phone away from my ear before asking, “Gran, did you talk to the delivery person?”
“No, they knocked on the door, but were gone before I answered. The vase was sitting on the top step.”
“Jack?”
“Yeah. I heard. I’ll be right over,” Jack said.
