“What kind of car is this?” Sofia asked.
“A Bentley Flying Spur.”
“Wow. Even the name’s impressive.”
Before she could say anything else, Ramona sniffled. Sofia leaned toward her, and they had a short, whispered exchange. After that, no one said anything until they stopped in front of the entrance to the women’s building.
There were a few people on the sidewalk, but it was otherwise quiet.
Fred exited the car, circled around, and opened the back door.
“Thank you for the ride,” Ramona said, turning toward Stone.
“You’re most welcome,” Stone said.
Fred extended a hand. “May I help you out?”
Ramona hesitated, her gaze shooting past Fred to the entrance to her building. The door was glass and had a keypad and intercom system mounted to the wall beside it. Through the window, Stone could see a small, unoccupied lobby.
“Is there a problem?” he asked.
“It’s just…” Her shoulders sagged, and she looked back at him. “Never mind. It’s okay.”
“What is it?” Sofia asked.
Ramona frowned. “What if Aaron’s waiting for me?”
“Aaron’s the boyfriend?” Stone asked.
“Ex-boyfriend,” Ramona said.
“Does he have a key to your place?”
At the same time Ramona said, “No,” Sofia said, “Yes.”
Stone’s brow furrowed.
Quickly, Ramona said, “He doesn’t have a key to our apartment, but he does have the code to the building.”
“Ah,” Stone said. “Would you like me to escort you to your door?”
Ramona looked relieved. “You wouldn’t mind?”
“Not at all.”
“Thank you. That would be great.”
She climbed out and Sofia followed.
Fred, who hadn’t heard the conversation from where he’d been standing, was surprised when Stone also exited. He raised an eyebrow, which Stone knew meant that Fred was asking if he should stay or come back later to pick Stone up.
“I’ll be right back,” Stone said. “Just making sure they get home.”
“Very good, sir.”
Stone motioned to the building, “Ladies, after you.”
Chapter 10
