A small boy climbs out.
He’s probably six or seven, cute as a button, but unfamiliar. I’ve never seen him before in my life. What rattles me more is the puffiness around his eyes and the faint swelling in his ankles.
Something about this feels…off.
“Hi, can I help you?” I ask, stepping forward cautiously.
The woman wraps her arm around the little boy and walks toward us. Her heels clack on the pavers, her fake lashes fluttering as she offers a bright smile that sets me instantly on edge. “Yeah, hi, I’m looking for Colt. Is he home?”
My shoulders tense. “He’s out at the moment. Does he know you?”
“Oh, yeah,” she replies breezily. “Colt and I go way back.”
I bristle. “Slayette?” I whisper to Anna.
She eyes the woman critically. “Not one I’ve seen before.”
I nod once and take a calming breath. “And… did Colt know you were coming by?”
“Not exactly,” she admits, tilting her head. “I haven’t seen him in a few years, but Ireallyneed to talk to him.”
Anna raises a brow. “Are you a fan?”
The redhead lets out a short, almost amused laugh. “God, no. I couldn’t stand his music. That band was all he ever cared about.”
The hairs on the back of my neck rise. I don’t like her. Not one bit. And the way she looks at me like I’m temporary only fuels that dislike.
“Well, if you want to leave a name and number, I’ll make sure he gets the message,” I say curtly. “Miss?”
She reaches into her bag and pulls out a card as the gate buzzes open and Johnny’s SUV rolls up the drive.
Her eyes light up. “Is that him?”
My heart kicks up a notch. Her excitement is a little too intense.
Is she dangerous?
Is there a weapon in that oversized knock-off Louis Vuitton purse?
Anna subtly shifts beside me, reading my tension.
Johnny gets out first and freezes when he sees her. His jaw tenses. He says something to Colt inside the car before stepping aside.
Colt exits.
He stops cold.
His entire body stiffens as soon as his eyes land on her. He rubs the back of his neck and pulls his guitar case from the back seat like he needs something to do with his hands.
That reaction tells me everything.
He knows her.
And whatever this is, it’s not good.
Johnny gives Colt a supportive shoulder pat. “Anna, c’mon. We should go.”
Anna leans in close to me. “Dee, you want us to stay?”
