Walter finally found a suitable tree and lifted his leg.
“I’ll agree to that,” Luke said. “But only because I got to drive a ’57 Chevy.”
“Through storm floods and hail. Not exactly the joyride you expected, huh?”
It had actually been so much more.
“Hey, mister!” The woman from the store came around the building. “Is that your old Chevy out front?”
“Yeah...” Luke walked toward her, tugging the leash.
“Some kids just took off with it.”
“What?” Luke jogged toward the front, dragging Walter behind him.
Allie reached the parking lot first and screeched to a dead halt. “It’s gone!”
“Like I said.” The woman shelved her hands on her hips. “Those boys who were inside a minute ago just took off with it. They bought cigarettes and...”
She recited a list of goods purchased, but Luke couldn’t hear any more. He laced his hands behind his head, staring atthe empty spot where the beautiful ’57 Chevy sat only moments ago. He tried to imagine telling Bill and Becky what had happened, and a fist tightened in his gut. Sweat beaded on his neck.
That car was irreplaceable—and Luke hadlostit.
***
No, no, no.
Allie paced in front of the store, staring at the empty spot where the car had just sat. The store clerk had disappeared inside to call the cops. Allie couldn’t believe this was happening.
She palmed her cheeks. Her parents were going tokillher—and she deserved it. When Luke blocked her path she stopped, dropped her hands, and met his gaze.
His jaw was knotted and a furrow split his brows. What was he so worried about? The car was her responsibility—this catastrophe her problem.
“How could this happen?” She’d only been out of the car two minutes. Could someone hot-wire a car that quickly? “How could they have made off with it so fast?”
“Do you have the keys?” A bite sharpened his tone.
“No... Why would I have them? You’re the one driving.”
“I left the keys in the car, Allie. Becauseyouwere in the car.”
She gasped. “Well, I didn’t know that! You didn’t tell me.”
“So you left the keys in the car.”
“No...Youleft the keys in the car.” She glared at him.
He glowered right back. “Didn’t you think to check the ignition before you followed me out back?”
“Why would I do that when you haven’t left the keys in the car before now?”
“Because I haven’t leftyouin the car before now.” He was clearly working hard at that level tone.
“Sheriff Dudley’ll be right here,” the pretty clerk said as she exited the building. She was eyeing Luke like he was her next meal.
Allie speared the woman with a withering look, but she was too busy making eyes at Luke to notice.
“He’s a real good guy, the sheriff. You’ll like him a lot.” The clerk swung her gaze between the two of them, finally seeming to sense the tension. “Well... I’ll be right inside if you need me.”
