Page 30 of Over the Edge

Strange timing.

Lowering her satchel of supplies to the floor, she greeted the Horizons director. “I was just thinking about you.”

“Pleasant thoughts, I hope.”

“Always.”

“How did tonight’s session go?”

Lindsey pulled out a stool from the stainless steel prep counter and lowered herself onto it. May as well tell Madeleine what had happened. “The session went fine. Afterward, not so much. My car is missing.”

A beat ticked by. “What do you mean, missing?”

She repeated the story she’d relayed to the officer. “I seem to have fallen into the rut of being in the wrong place at the wrong time.”

“Are you still at the church?”

“Yes. I was getting ready to call a cab.”

“Not necessary. Watch for me in twenty minutes.” The line went dead.

Lindsey lowered the cell from her ear, weighing it in her hand. She ought to call Madeleine back and tell her not to bother. That would be the considerate thing to do.

But at this point, the thought of riding home in a cab with a stranger behind the wheel held no appeal. For once, why not go with the flow and try not to feel guilty about giving in to selfish impulses?

Eighteen minutes later, headlights swung across the parking lot through the window. After gathering up her belongings, Lindsey stepped outside and locked the door behind her.

Madeleine pushed the passenger door open as she approached.

“Thank you for doing this.” Lindsey slid in, set her satchel at her feet, and buckled up.

“It’s the least I could do after I strong-armed you into teachingthis class.” She put the car in gear and circled toward the exit.

“I was happy to do it.”

“And this is how you get repaid.” Madeleine shook her head. “I’m sorry, Lindsey. You’ve had a rough stretch. How can I help you?”

Her throat tightened at the woman’s kindness. “Thanks for offering, but I’ll be fine. My client tomorrow cancelled because the family’s down with the flu. That will give me a chance to line up a rental car.”

“Don’t hesitate to let me know if there’s anything I can do. Beyond me, the Martha’s Guild at church is always available to assist.”

“I’ll keep that in mind. And I’ll remind Dara about the guild too. It may be reassuring for her to know there’s a support system in case any issues come up for her and Chad after last week.”

“Did she attend class tonight?”

“Yes, but she was distracted. Not that I blame her. I asked a few questions, but it was obvious she didn’t want to talk about what happened.”

“Do you think the police are hassling Chad?”

“I hope not. He seems like a nice guy, and he’s had more than enough trouble in his life.”

“Has anyone from law enforcement been back in touch with you?”

An image of Jack Tucker appeared in her mind, but she erased it at once. “No, and I hope no one ever contacts me again. I want to put the whole horrible episode behind me.”

“I hear you. Tell me about your class tonight.”

For the remainder of the drive, Madeleine kept the conversation focused on more pleasant topics, and by the time she pulled up in front of the condo, the tension in Lindsey’s shoulders had loosened.

---