Page 12 of Gem Warfare

“Maybe we can get back on that baby making thing?”

Solomon pulled away and smiled down at me. “I wasn’t aware we’d stopped.”

“We could not stop tonight too? Tonight could be our lucky night. Maybe I’ll buy a lottery ticket too.” It hadn’t been our lucky night since we’d started trying but apparently, these things took time. I wasn’t sure how much time but I was committed to the cause. Practice, after all, made perfect.

Then my phone buzzed in my jeans’ pocket. I fished it out, entirely intending to ignore it when I saw it was my mom. As soon as the call ended, a text message flashed up:911!

“It’s my mom.”

“Ignore it.”

“She texted 911.”

“Take it.”

“I’ll be as quick as I can.”

“Then I’ll be as slow as I can,” said Solomon, a gradual smile spreading across his lips.

Oh boy.

“What’s up, Mom?” I asked, the phone next to my ear as I pressed one hand to Solomon’s chest, weakly holding him at bay. I could imagine the onslaught about to come:I should be more careful! What was I thinking! Was I hurt?

Instead, Mom said, “I need you back at the house.”

“Why? What’s happened? Is it Dad?”

“No, he’s had the best evening. His team made second place in his golf tournament. I’m not sure what I’ll do now he’ll be home more often and not practicing his swings. Or, even worse, at home, practicing his swings. I might have a case for you.”

“Really?” Skepticism leaked from my tone. I did not want a lost cat case, or a lost headphones case, or even a lost spouse, although the latter would be the most interesting. Unfortunately for me, it would probably be as simple as a neighbor grousing that his wife couldn’t be found when all she was probably doing was taking a few hours to herself. The chances of my mom stumbling across an actual crime was… medium likely. Also, there was the potential thatshehad committed the unknown crime. “Did you do something?” I asked, suspicion lacing my words.

“Don’t take that tone with me, young lady!”

“Sorry… Did you?” I couldn’t help myself.

“No!”

“Is anyone injured?”

“Well… not exactly.”

I narrowed my eyes. “What does that mean?”

“If you came over, you’d see!”

I frowned. “Are you sure you shouldn’t call the police?”

“Someone probably already did, but this has you written all over it.”

“What do you mean ‘someone probably already did’? They either did or didn’t.”

“Well, I don’t know but I’m standing outside and there’s a lot of commotion going on inside. Well, outside butinside there,” she hissed.

“Where are you?” I asked, my frown deepening. “What’s happening at your house?”

“I told you already!” huffed Mom in exasperation. “I’m atthe end house. The one with all the construction work. Oh, my! Come quick!”

“No, you didn’t tell… Mom? Hello? Mom? She hung up!” I squeaked, staring at the blank phone screen.

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