“The same scent!”
“Yes, the same.”
All of a sudden, a fist hits the side of my head. I block the next with my forearm. The car swerves and I jerk it back into my lane.
Another fist.
“You backstabber!” Noel roars. “My own brother!”
Tommy wails in the backseat.
Another hit.
The car swerves again, hits the median, a tire blows, and we slam into a light pole.
In a split second, Noel rushes out and runs across traffic. Cars honk, a man yells, and tires squeal. He makes the crossing and disappears down an alley.
What in the—
“Waaaa! Eeeee!”
And now Tommy is crying. I look back at him. “It’s okay, buddy.”
I rest my forehead on the steering wheel as strangers rush over.
When one of them pushes on my shoulder, I sit up. That’s when I notice the car isn’t running and smoke creeps from the hood.
Fuck me.
Chapter 25
Jack
Ten AM and a cop drops me and Tommy off at the center. My car had to be towed. I got a citation for reckless driving and property damage. The police are looking for Noel. I have to get through this day on two hours of sleep, and so far, one can of caffeine.
Most of the crew wait outside. Some parents and caregivers wait too, in hopes I would show. I make my standard apologies and usher everyone inside.
I need to hire someone desperately. My two employees, Harriet and Julie are great, but they are stretched thin.
Julie who works afternoons, arrives at lunch time. She’s short, blond and has a button nose. I hug her, and so do many of the crew.
She chuckles, her blue eyes sparkling. “What’s this all about?” she asks when our embrace ends.
“I’m glad you’re here. Can you cover lunch while I get some rest?”
“Absolutely. You look exhausted.”
“I am.” I bite my bottom lip, hesitating. “And can you give Tommy and me a lift home after work?”
Concern fills her face. “Yes, of course.”
“Thanks.” I trudge to the back office to sleep. I check my phone. Never mind.
I forgot it at home.
Great.
So I sleep, and it’s the fastest nap of my life. Julie didn’t wake me. Tommy and Chance did-
