“My heart and soul and anything else that’s necessary.”
“Oh, honey. You sound just like your father, the stubborn old ass.”
I choked on a sip of tea and she chuckled. “He used to say the exact same thing, and I don’t know if you heard him, or if you’re just cut from the same batch of dough. But I’m going to tell you what I told him. Do not give your heart or soul lightly. They are the most precious and valuable coin, and I will hunt you down and smack you in the back of the head if I find you running around here missing one of them. Do you understand me?”
“Don’t sell my soul. Got it.”
“I’m not kidding, Delaney.”
“I know.”
“You aren’t listening to me.”
“I really am.”
“Stubborn. Just like your father.”
“True.”
“He didn’t listen.”
“You said that. See? Listening.”
She sighed, then stood. “I love you, but you drive me crazy, Delaney Reed.”
“Love you too, Jules.”
She motioned me forward and folded me into a big, soft, marshmallowy hug. Her perfume filled my nose and the jingle of her earrings and multiple bracelets brought back all the times she had hugged me when I was little and afraid.
“Whatever you get yourself into, know I’ll be there doing what I can to pull you out.”
“Thank you.” I meant it from the bottom of my heart.
“Good. Now.” She released me. “Myra’s here.”
The door swung open and Myra walked in. “What is going on?”
“Have you seen Jean?” I asked.
“They said she’s getting X-rays. Are you okay? Jesus, Delaney.”
We closed the distance without another word and wrapped arms around each other.
“You weren’t hurt were you?” she asked.
“No. But Jean. She’s conscious. She might have a concussion. Tell me you got a lead on the car.”
“We have more than a lead. We found the car.”
I pulled back to make room for Jules who shoved her way in between us to give Myra a hug.
“I’ll let you girls talk for a moment. I’ll be out there with Jean if she’s brought back to her room.” She swung out the door, and Myra glared at me.
“What?”
“How the hell does she get hit by a car?”
“That’s what I want to know. She was ahead of us, crossing the street. Traffic was stopped. It was on purpose, Myra. I know she was run down on purpose.”
