Page 43 of Cowboys at Coconuts

On the way back from the bathroom, Hope spotted her phone on the kitchen counter. “I can’t believe I almost forgot that. We’ll definitely want pictures.”

Shifting from one foot to another, Larry said, “I don’t have a Smartphone. Can’t afford one.” He plucked a flip-phone out of his pocket and chuckled. “My dumb phone works just fine.”

Hope patted his arm. “I’m sure it does. I’ll email you the photos or print them out. Let’s go.”

After they climbed inside her Honda, she fiddled with the radio. “What would you like to hear?”

For the first time, he appeared to relax. “Rock ‘n roll, of course.”

Hope scrolled through the radio. “Here’s a station with sixties and seventies rock music.”

“Now, you’re talkin’.” Soon, Larry bopped his head and drummed his index fingers on the dash to “Glory Days” by Bruce Springsteen.”

“You always did love music. We both did. That’s one thing we had in com—”

“Huh?” Larry’s puzzled face indicated his memory was still that—a memory.

Hope’s heart sank. “Nothing. Do you and Willow share a love for the same music?”

His dull, sad eyes twinkled. “We loveallof the same things. I’m so lucky to have found her late in life. Willow is going to be the perfect—”

Interrupting him, Hope asked, “Did you hear about that shark in the news? It bit a beachgoer, but she’s going to survive.” She would discuss any topic—even UFOs—if they could avoid the topic of Willow while traveling to see Montana. Staring at the road, she cursed herself for the deception but owed it to her mother. After three hours, there was little discussion thanks to the loud music. As “Rockin’ Down the Highway” by the Doobie Brothers played, Hope pulled into a highway rest area. “I want to double check my directions to that nice restaurant I mentioned at school. She stared at her phone. “It’s on the outskirts of Nashville. Do you like Italian food?”

“Who doesn’t?” He stared at the road. “But I’m a little short on cash.”

Hope cringed. Her parents never had two dimes to rub together. She had provided their food, beer, and paid their bills most of her adult years. That’s why they had had a fateful knockdown, drag-out fight before the infamous train accident. “Remember, I promised dinner as my treat.”

“Very kind of you, Miss Tru— I mean Hope.” Reaching for a cigarette and lighter, Larry hopped out of the car. “A smoke break sounds good.” He thumped the top of the car to the beat of “Barracuda” by Heart.

Bopping her head to the beat, Hope studied a Google map. “This restaurant looks easy to find. Let me know when you’re ready to get back on the road.”

Chapter 40

What the hell?Alex felt her pulse race when she spotted Nikki in a Show-Me Bank teller line. Reaching for the phone, she immediately called Tony.

Answering with his usual all-business voice, Tony said, “Lt. Montgomery.”

“It’s me. No need to be so fucking formal. By the way, your ex is stalking me.”

“I’m in the middle of a multi-state case, Alex. I can’t talk.”

“That’s it? You’re not going to do anything about her?”

Alex heard her cop boyfriend mumble something about it being a free country, saying Nikki could bank wherever she wanted, and repeated he was busy. Incredulous, she yelled into the phone, “You’re freaking kidding me. That’s all you’re going to say?”

Tony muttered something about the chief being within earshot and to deal with it.

Deal with it?“She’s your ex. Keep her away from me.” Shaking her head, she hung up on him. Glancing at Hannah who had stopped working to eavesdrop, Alex said, “Tony has shown his true colors. He always has excuses for his precious Nikki. I’m done. I need a change. I’ve got to figure out my life.” Crossing her arms, Alex brightened. “I think I’ll take a vacation.”

Hannah puffed out her chest. “Go ahead, boss. You know I’ve got your back.” Alex knew Hannah would like nothing more than to get her hands on her computer files and snoop through every drawer. The thought almost made her reconsider. Almost.

Holding a handful of cash, Nikki poked her head inside. “Don’t you have a fancy pants setup? Bet you think you’re really somethin’ with your corner office and nice clothes. I know what Tony likes and it isn’t this.” Turning toward Hannah, Nikki said, “I hope you don’t have a boyfriend. If you do, she might sleep with him.”

“Get out of my office and stay away from me.” Alex knew her boss was likely watching so she couldn’t slam the door in Nikki’s face. Instead, she gently closed it. Crossing her arms, she leaned against the door. “That, my dear, is Sean’s not-so-sweet wife. See why I told you to stay away from him?”

Hannah didn’t say a word. Alex waited until Nikki left the bank. Before she lost her nerve, she rushed across the lobby, and knocked on the bank president’s door. “Have a minute?”

“Always.” Jim gestured toward a chair. “What’s up?”

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