“We believe you,” she said, and Josie huffed. “We believe that whatever friendship you once had is in the past. That happens. Too often, really.”
Josie had pulled the sun visor down. I could see her roll her eyes in the mirror.
“So what’s the mess, and how can we help?” Pamela asked.
I gave them the rundown. Josie wanted to see the coin. I showed it to her, but didn’t let her touch it. Not because I didn’t trust her, but because I didn’t trust Fate.
By the time we pulled up to my property, both women were making plans to put out feelers for the other coins.
“Do you want us to go over there with you when you take the coin to Fate?” Pamela asked, as she parked in the drive and turned off the engine.
“No. We have until noon tomorrow, so we’re going to hold on to this until we have all the coins.”
I opened the door.
“Do you need help with him?” Josie asked.
“He’s awake,” Card said, his voice sounding stronger. “And mobile. I think.” He pulled himself up, using the back of the seat, and offered me a watery smile. “Hey. We got the coin, right?”
I was standing outside the van. “You don’t remember?”
He wiped one hand over his face, sending dried mud flaking off like sand. “Some of the events are a little fuzzy.”
I patted my pocket. “We have the coin.”
“Okay,” he said. “Let’s... Hang on. Let me get out.” He pushed out of the vehicle, and his movements looked smoother, stronger. Being here on the land where his tree had first been a seed helped.
“Let’s get the coin to her.”
“No,” I said. “You bathe. You’re filthy. She can wait for the coin.”
“Sooner this is over, the better.”
“She can wait,” I insisted.
“You sure you don’t need back up?” Pamela asked.
“I’m sure.” The Crossroads hummed beneath my feet, happy to have me home.
“How about we just hang here, in case?” Josie asked.
“No, we’ve got this. But if you can find any leads on the coins, that’s what we need most.”
She didn’t look convinced, but finally nodded. “All right. We’ll stay out of it, unless we find out something about the coins. There are a few people I can check with. But if you need us...”
“I will call.”
“Good,” Pamela said.
“Thank you,” I said. “I appreciate it. All of this.”
Pamela shrugged. “That’s what friends are for.”
I waved as they pulled away, and Card started toward the house. He was moving a little stiffly, like he had sand where no one wanted to have sand, but he seemed to be getting steadier with each step.
“You okay?” I asked coming up beside him.
“No, but I’m standing. Let’s get this over with. I think I know where the next coin is, but you’re not going to like it.” He stumbled, then grumbled that he was fine, just fine, but from how hard he was dragging his feet, he was not fine, just fine.
