“You know, one day Kruger will shoot me just so you stop hugging me.”
“He won’t shoot you, mostly because he knows it would make me sad.”
“Good point.” He laughs, taking a step back. “How’s Theo doing?”
I blow out a sharp breath, not prepared for his question.
“Shit, sorry, that was careless.”
“No, it’s fine. It’s just hard. He’s doing okay, but it’s hard to know for sure over text messages.”
“He’s a tough kid.”
“I know. I just wish he didn’t have to be.”
My phone chimes again. I walk back over to the desk and grab it. I read the text and swallow. “Shoot. Mindy went out to grab milk for the morning rush. She was supposed to lock up later, but her mom had a fall.”
“Shit, anything I can do?”
I shake my head. “She’s gonna drop off the milk at her place and head to the hospital. If she can’t make it in tomorrow, I’ll have Kruger go over and grab it. It does mean I need to stay for another hour, though. Mindy is the only one I trust with the security code at the moment.”
“Nah, I get it. I’m on bar duty in thirty mins, but I’ll call Havoc and explain.”
“Don’t worry. I’ll get Legs to swing by and pick me up on the way. She offered earlier, anyway.”
“You sure?”
“Yeah. I’m not quite done here, so I guess it all worked out.
“Alright, I’ll catch you in a bit.” He winks before heading out.
As soon as he’s out of sight, I suck in a deep breath and grab the phone, reading the message again. One that came from Theo, not Mindy, like I pretended.
Do you have any of that tea I like?
With a shaky hand, I grab my bag and rummage around for my wallet. Once I find it, I pull the business card from inside and dial the number. As soon as they pick up, I speak. “Don? It’s Delphi. I need a ride.”
“Of course. I’m in the area, as it happens. What time were you looking at?”
“Soon as possible.”
“No problem at all. I’m on my way.”
“Thank you so much.”
“Think nothing of it. I’m glad you called.”
When he hangs up, I toss my phone on my desk. I squat and type the code for the bottom drawer. I ease it open, glancing at the door. Not wanting to waste time, I pull the black pouch from the back of the drawer and look inside, feeling something settle when I see the gun is still there, along with the ammo. I put the pouch in my bag and grab the phone hidden there. I open up the last text thread and type one out.
Hi. This is Diane, Theo’s mom. Could you come over? Theo misses you, and I’d really like to clear the air between us. I want you to be a part of his life, if you still want to. I have to work later, but I have an hour before I need to leave, if that works?
Grabbing my cell phone from the desk, I text back.
Of course. I’d love that too. I’m on my way.
I throw both phones in my bag and slip the strap over my body before smoothing my hands over my hair and squaring my shoulders. I leave my office and head for the kitchen, snagging a pair of disposable gloves. I shove them in my pocket before I walk out to the front of the store.
“Hey, Benny, I’m heading out.”
