Page 29 of Over the Edge

But that made no sense. Who would want a ten-year-old Focus?

Yet what other explanation could there be?

Lindsey massaged her temple, where a headache was beginning to throb.

After everything that had happened last week, adding a stolen car to the mix was too much.

Moving back toward the well-lit doorway, she dug through her satchel until her fingers closed over her phone. Pulled it out and dialed 911 for the second time in four days.

The conversation with the dispatcher didn’t take long, and the response was swift. A police cruiser swung into the lot within five minutes and drew up beside her.

An officer emerged. “Good evening, ma’am. You reported a missing vehicle?”

“Yes. Thanks for getting here so fast.”

The man pulled out a notebook. Once she provided the contact information he requested, he moved on to the events of the evening. “Tell me what happened.”

“I don’t know. I parked over there about six thirty.” She waved toward the basketball hoop. “When I came out ten minutes ago, my car was gone.”

“Give me the make, model, and license plate number.”

She provided the first two. “I don’t know the plate number off the top of my head, but I may be able to find it on a document at home.”

“Do you have your insurance card with you?”

“Yes.” She pulled out her wallet and extracted it.

“I can find the plate number using the VIN.” He took thecard, wrote down more information, and handed it back. “I’ll get a BOLO alert issued on this and notify our auto theft unit. Did you notice anything suspicious when you parked?”

“No. The lot was pretty full then. There’s a Bible study here on Tuesday nights. But as you can see, most of the cars are gone now.”

“One of our detectives from Crimes Against Property will be in touch. Is there someone you can call for a ride home?”

Not really. Who had time to make friends while settling into a new city and establishing a business? Madeleine came closest, but it was too late in the evening to impose on anyone.

“I’m kind of new in town. I’ll call a cab.”

The officer’s brow pinched as he gave the deserted lot a sweep. “That could take a while. Can you wait inside?”

“Yes. I have a key.”

“That works. Be sure to notify your insurance company about this as soon as you can.”

“I will. Thanks.” She strode back to the church hall door, her mind processing next steps at warp speed. Beyond calling her insurance agent, renting a car was a high priority. With a career like hers, mobility was essential, however much it dented her budget. And if her car wasn’t found, she’d be hunting for a replacement. A much bigger dent.

Sighing, she inserted the key into the lock, waved at the patrol officer who’d waited until she opened the door, and slipped inside.

What else could possibly go—

Her cell began to chime, and she jumped. Slammed a hand against her chest.

Good grief.

Given the state of her nerves, she’d need an appointment with Dr. Oliver sooner than Thursday.

She pulled out her phone. Skimmed the caller ID.

Madeleine.

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