Page 62 of Vas

Sabrina’s smile slipped. “I didn’t mean anything bad by it. Just that it was a coincidence. I didn’t know you went to school here.”

Slightly mollified, Anna felt her hackles settle. Still she pressed her lips together not trusting herself to speak.

Looking a bit sheepish, Sabrina took a tiny step closer and lowered her voice. “Listen, I want to apologize for what happened at El Verde. I knew you didn’t take that money. You’re a good person, Anna, and didn’t deserve what happened to you. I was a crappy friend for not saying anything.”

She and Sabrina would never be best buddies, but it would be awkward seeing her around campus if she held onto her grudge, so she acquiesced, if a little begrudgingly, “I understand.”

Either correctly reading her facial cues or detecting her tone, Sabrina gave a tentative smile, saying weakly, “No hard feelings?”

Well, she wouldn’t go that far. But she could be the bigger person. “Yeah, it’s fine.”

At that point, Sabrina’s whole demeanor changed. Her shoulders sagged and a gleam entered her eyes. “While we’re on the subject, did you hear what happened to Marc?”

More intrigued than she cared to admit, Anna found herself asking, “No, what?”

“He was fired.” When Anna’s eyes widened, she continued. “I know, right. It happened a few weeks ago.”

Truth be told, Anna was shocked. “Why?”

Sabrina shrugged. “No one really knows for sure. There’s a lot of rumors flying around. But one thing I do know for a fact because I saw it with my own eyes is Mr. Talen, himself, escorted Marc off the property.”

Holy crap, Mr. Talen was the owner of the country club and considered Marc like a son. He must have done something unspeakable. “I don’t know what to say.”

Sabrina nodded. “I know.”

Soon after that inconceivable bit of gossip, they parted ways exchanging vague pleasantries that they would talk soon, neither making mention of exchanging phone numbers. Too much had happened for them to go back to the friendship they once shared, but getting closure with Sabrina and learning that Marc had finally gotten his just desserts did go a long way toward putting the incident behind her, and Anna walked to her car with a lighter step.

It wasn’t until she was halfway home that a niggle in the back of her brain pushed its way forward. After so many months of keeping her hurt buried, she’d finally told the story to someone and that someone had been Vas. A few weeks later it seemed justice had prevailed.

Coincidence?

Anna couldn’t shake the feeling that maybe it wasn’t.

Chapter 21

Pulling into the industrial complex on the outskirts of Northridge, Vas eyed the mid-size, four-garage mechanics shop, critically, not finding anything he didn't like. The place seemed neat, clean, and well organized.

Getting out of his car, he walked across the blacktop and pulled open the metal framed glass door, the smell of rubber and oil wafting out to hit his nose. He inhaled a deep breath, smiling.

An older, balding man, sitting behind the counter with a phone to his ear, held up a finger when he walked in. Vas busied himself, browsing the various car parts that lined the shelves.

“Can I help you?”

Vas pulled his attention away from a set of plush floor mats and turned to the guy. “I’m here about the bay space for rent. That still available?”

The man eyed him up and down. “It is. What are you wanting it for? I should warn you now, if you’re looking to do auto repairs and charge a fee, you’ll need your own license. Mine won’t cover you.”

“No, just private use. I’m interested in restoring old cars as a hobby but live in an apartment and don’t have the space for it.”

That information perked him right up. He stood, smiling, coming out from behind the counter. “Bob Marshall.” He held out a hand and Vas shook it. “Come on back.” Opening a side door, they stepped into a garage. “The bay at the end is the one for rent. It’s got all the bells and whistles, including a scissor lift and you’ll have access to all the tools in the garage.”

“That sounds great.”

“The only drawback is there’s no separating wall blocking off your section from the rest of the area. There’s a metal roll down door that will secure it from the front, but when the garage is open for business, there’ll be free access to your space. My guys are trustworthy and there’s video cameras all over the joint, but if you do rent the space, I’m not responsible for any missing property.”

“I understand.”

“And are you still interested?”

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