“But you couldn’t take the chance of him being identified and connecting you both,” I said. “So, he set up the robberies.”
“He has experience in quick in-and-out heists. Useful when we’re low on cash,” Lola boasted proudly.
“But no experience with safety deposit boxes,” I said.
“Easy enough information to find out,” Lola continued to boast.
From a bank inspector who liked to impress women, I thought.
“Besides, I was already entertaining myself with a scam, a small one, but enjoyable and one I had to bring to a profitable end. Your brother was such an easy mark.”
Because he has a caring heart, but I wouldn’t waste those words on someone who would never understand them.
“Unfortunately,” Lola continued, “if Vera’s precious notebook connects me and my partner that could open a whole can of worms.”
“And endless charges that would keep you both in prison for a long time,” I said.
“Exactly, and once I have it, I’m going to destroy it, and high-tail it out of this boring, snooze-worthy town.”
Then it hit me, not softly but like a good smack in the back of the head.
Quick in and out heists.
I turned slightly in my seat. “Your partner…”
Lola smiled as if she knew what I was about to say.
“Is Lucas, the one who took me hostage in the bank, isn’t he?”
Her smile widened.
Which was when I realized I probably should have kept that thought to myself.
Of course, I had to follow up. “You’re bailing on him.”
“Not exactly. We have contingency plans for unexpected turns of events.” Lola suddenly shifted forward in the seat. “Where are we going?”
Vera didn’t take her eyes off the road as she said, “Where you told me to take you—to the notebook.”
“And where would that be?” Lola asked.
“Ridgemont Bank.”
I didn’t have to turn around to know that worried Lola.
Ridgemont was more of a small city than a small town, which meant more people. Too many eyes. Too many chances for something to go wrong.
Silence settled inside the SUV.
I glanced in the sideview mirror again and felt a small knot tighten in my stomach.
Mo was gone.
He had to have gone for help.
For the first time, I was glad he’d been sniffing flowers earlier. Maybe—just maybe—the scent of Vera’s flowers, whether they were in the best shape or not, would give him something to follow.
And if Thomas had seen us leave with Lola, he would let our dad know we were in Vera’s vehicle.
