Page 49 of Jep

“As far as we know, there’s nothing imminent, but...actually I would feel better if you didn’t spend a lot of time in crowds or overpopulated areas.”

“That sounds serious.”

“I’m being overcautious right now.”

“Does this have anything to do with that big explosion a few weeks back? They said it was a gas leak.”

“I can’t tell you that.”

“Got it. I’ll stick close to home, and I’ll be praying. Good luck.”

“Thanks.”

Jep was bent over an engine, tightening a bolt, when Slate craned his neck toward the front of the shop. “Oh my. What havewe got here? Whatever she needs, please let me be the one to do the job.”

Jep saw the lewd grin. “Stop it.” He smacked him in the chest with the wrench and grabbed a rag before moving to the side of the car to see the beautiful woman who had walked in to distract his staff.

He just about had to pick his jaw back up off the floor. “Emery?”

Slate bumped his shoulder. “You know her?”

“No—yeah. I mean…yeah.” He wasn’t sure what about her presence filled him with so much elation, but he was glad to see her. “She’s someone I used to work with.”

“You sure? Because your smile says different.”

Jep chucked the rag in Slate’s face and threaded his way past the clutter to the front.

“Hey, Em—Emery. What are you doing here?”

“You can call me Em.”

“What?”

“I know when we first met, I told you to call me Emery, but that was because I didn’t know you.”

“You mean you didn’t like me?”

She grinned. “Call me Em.”

He was more glad to see her than he should have been. If he could have nailed down his stomach to keep it from betraying him, he would have. “Em…how’s your arm?”

“Better. Healing well. And I got the lab results back. I’m all clear.”

“Great. That’s fantastic. It’s been playing on my mind. I wanted to call and ask, but thought you’d prefer me to stay out of your business from now on.”

“I don’t blame you, you know.”

“You’d be the only one.”

She looked like she wanted to say more, but she scanned the workshop instead. “Nice place you have here.”

“You think so? You like a sagging roof and oil stains?”

“It has its charm. What’s back there?” She pointed at the large double doors.

“That’s where we paint vehicles. You need a dust-free environment. It’s the reason the rest of this place is in such bad shape. I put all my money into setting that up. I’m training a few of the guys. Giving them some skills so they can get their lives together.”

“Is he one of them?” She nodded toward Slate, who was watching them, eyes wide in amusement. When Jep turned, Slate ducked out of sight.

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