Page 96 of Dead Heat

My eyes bulged. “We kept her shoes too?”

“There may be a couple pairs of strappy sandals in the guest room closet that escaped the bonfire.”

“I’m already wearing her fabric. It seems wrong to wear her shoes too.”

“Addison would’ve been thrilled,” Nana Pratt insisted. “It’s like she’s on the date with you.”

“Okay, let’s not venture too far down that mental road.”

I darted into the bedroom down the hall and investigated the contents of the closet. Sure enough, there were two sets of heels. I grabbed the black pair and tried them on.

“I feel like Cinderella,” I declared. “It’s a perfect fit.”

“I’m not surprised. Her feet were too big for her body.”

I glanced at her. “No need to disparage the dead.” I took a few steps across the room. They weren’t as comfy as my sneakers or my boots, but they wouldn’t cause blisters by the end of the night.

Sold.

My heels clicked on the wooden floors as I ventured downstairs. Ray awaited me in the foyer. “You look really pretty. How do you feel?”

“Really pretty,” I said, smiling. “Nana Pratt did a great job, don’t you think?”

He nodded. “You’ve got talent, Ingrid.”

“Years of practice,” she replied.

“I guess I’ll drive the truck. The motorcycle will be too tricky in a dress.” Plus, I didn’t want to show up for my date with a head full of knots and tangles. Kane might mistake me for Medusa and bust out his flaming sword.

Ray stood up straight. “Why isn’t Kane driving over here to pick you up like a gentleman?”

“Because I told him not to, and like a gentleman, he listens to my requests.”

Ray made a quiet noise of disapproval. “Have fun tonight but be careful.”

“Careful is my middle name.” In truth, my middle name was Bertha, but that was one secret I was taking to my grave.

The air outside was cool and crisp with the promise of spring as I drove to the Devil’s Playground. The parking lot wasn’t yet at full capacity, but it was getting close.

I stood in line, poking my head out on occasion to get Larry’s attention, hopeful the bouncer would wave me through. I swore I caught his eye, but he pretended not to see me.

When it was finally my turn, I held up my driver’s license for inspection. “Hey, Larry.”

“That’ll be twenty dollars.”

“For what?”

“It’s karaoke night. There’s a cover charge.”

I laughed. “I’m not here for karaoke night. I’m here for a date with the owner of this fine establishment.”

“I have no information about a date.”

“Hey!” a voice behind me yelled. “You’re holding up the line.”

“I only brought ten bucks with me,” I whispered to Larry. I hadn’t been planning to spend any money tonight.

Larry seemed to rethink his plan to make my life difficult. He jerked his head toward the door. “Go ahead.”

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