“She was at Cy’s tonight.”
Turning his head, he scowls, “You been drinking?”
“No. I work there. Bartender.”
“Oh, good. You saw her there?”
“I did. Strangely, she was with… well, with a friend of mine.”
“Why strangely?”
“Well, I introduced them a while ago. I knew he liked her, but I didn’t think they were dating or anything. Not until I saw them tonight.”
Then Gage asks, “Did you tell your friend about the attack?”
Attack? I don’t know if I’d use that word. “No, I haven’t. Not yet.”
“Perhaps you should warn your friend.”
How do I do that? He’s going to think… oh, what does it matter what he thinks? “I will.” The car is quiet. “Do you think she did that to my scooter?”
I watch as Gage grabs a clipboard from beneath his seat. “I’m going to write up a report. Since I don’t feel comfortable speculating, I’ll investigate it. May I keep your scooter so I can look it over more closely?”
“Sure. Of course.”
I answer each question Gage has for me, and then I sign the report.
“I’ll give you a copy for your insurance,” he tells me.
“I only have liability.”
“Keep it for your records, then.” He clears his throat. “Maybe get full insurance next time?”
“My brother built that for me from parts.” I shrug. “Nothing to insure.”
“I get it,” he says, putting the car into gear.
Pulling out onto Lincoln Way, I stare out the front window as we move west, in the direction of my house. When he pulls into our driveway, I look over at him. Releasing a shuddered breath, I say, “Thank you for helping me.”
“Anytime, Quinn.” Opening the car door, I feel his hand on my wrist. I look up at him as he repeats, “I mean it. Anytime.”
“Thanks, Gage.”
Sliding out of the SUV, I wave.
Rolling down his window, he says, “I’ll let you know what I find out.”
I feel like I need to say something before I shut the door. “My helmet was missing.”
He looks back over the seat where the scooter parts lie. “It is?”
I shrug. “It was pink and super cute.” Using my hands, I attempt to help him visualize it. “It’s sort of a half helmet, but they call it a jet helmet too. Just thought you should know.”
He chuckles. “Pink? Jet helmet. I’ll keep an eye out for it. Night, Quinn.”
“Night, Gage. Thanks again.”
“Anytime.”
