“I wonder if there is any way we can check it,” Theresa said thoughtfully.
“I don’t have any contacts with the local authorities.” Henry gave a devilish grin. “Trying to keep a low profile.”
Theresa made a mental note to ask Lizzie.
Several minutes later, everyone was finally winding down from the adrenaline. Theresa checked the time. It was getting close to five. “I hope my car is still in the parking lot of the convenience store.”
“I’ll drive you over,” Henry offered.
“You have a car?” Frida asked.
“Yep. They haven’t hijacked my license yet,” he said, grinning.
“I don’t want you to go to any trouble,” Theresa said.
“No trouble. It will take less time, and you don’t want to be seen walking along the highway at dawn.”
“Oh, yeah, because I look so much like a hooker.” Theresa spread her arms to demonstrate the dirt and detritus on her clothes and shoes. “Sorry, Henry. I should have done a better job brushing off the decayed plant matter.”
“It’s fine. Maid service comes twice a week.”
“Fancy,” Theresa said, and grinned. She stretched her back. “Okay, Henry. Let’s saddle up.”
“Frida, care to go for a quick ride in my buggy?”
“Fer sure!” Frida answered.
Once outside, they walked about two hundred feet to an opening in a hedgerow that led to a small parking lot.
“One thing you can say about this area is that almost everything is beautifully landscaped,” Theresa mused. She also took note that there were no utility wires aboveground. “This is a well-planned community.” Little did she know how well.
Henry hit the key fob that sounded the chirp. The women looked around and noticed a metallic blue 1959 Cadillac Series 62 Coupe blink its double headlights.
“What in the …?” Theresa’s jaw dropped as she stared at the long, sleek car with the unmistakable fins, gleaming grill, and whitewall tires.
“That’s no buggy, mister!” Frida exclaimed.
“So much for maintaining a low profile!” Theresa added.
“She’s a beauty, isn’t she? Did all the restoration myself. Refitted the engine. The works. Took me almost three years.” Henry opened the passenger door of his two-door classic car. “Who wants to climb in the back?”
“I might as well, since Theresa will have to get out first.”
Theresa grinned and stepped out of the way so Henry could pull the front seat down for Frida to climb in. Frida was a spry woman, but not necessarily dainty. He politely turned away when she was bottoms up. Theresa stifled a chuckle.
It took just a few minutes to pull into the parking lot of the convenience store. “What’s next?” Frida asked, as she got out after Theresa.
“Lunch?” Henry asked.
“Only if you’ll take us for a longer ride in this beautiful machine,” Frida chirped.
“I think I can manage that. I know of a local place that makes great chalupas. It’s near the mountains.”
“Sounds great. Where shall I meet you?” Theresa asked.
“Why don’t I pick you up at your hotel? This way, the three of us won’t be seen together on the premises.”
Frida giggled. “This is so exciting.”
