Page 97 of The Way We Score

“Nah, they’d call the vet for that.” She turns the key and it roars to life. “Snakes. Gloria said a black racer decided to hide a nest of eggs in her back stall. Now they’re hatching, and she needs us to relocate them. Gloria said she’d handle it, but she’s got a class and your brother’s at Miss Gina’s.”

“A black racersnake?”Fuck. I’m no Indiana Jones, but I hate snakes.

“Yeah, and it’s causing a big problem. Horses and snakes don’t mix.” Aubrey reads my face and starts to laugh. “Don’t worry, I’ll take the lead on this one. Just help me with the traps. And don’t forget your gloves.”

21

Olivia

“Tell me the truth, Marcus.” The phone rests on my shoulder. “Are Putnam and Barnes involved in organized crime?”

A light chuckle meets my ear, but it does nothing to soothe my irritation.

“As far as I know, they’re just regular ole Chicago realtors trying to capitalize on mineral rights.”

“They sound like money launderers.”

“Let me see what I can do, and I’ll get back with you.” He’s so smooth, and I have to hand it to him. Marcus has handled much bigger cases than I have and always comes out on top. I’ve heard he even got a guy off for murder once.

“How’s the baby doing?”

My eyes widen, and I hesitate. “Who told you I was pregnant?”

“I’m sorry, was that a secret?” I can hear the smile in his voice. “The receptionist told me you were working remotely, and when I asked if you were okay, she said you were expecting.No harm no foul. I’m glad we’ve reached the point where remote work is acceptable.”

I look down, turning the stylus in my fingers. “I don’t mean to be guarded. Not everyone in our profession shares your attitude. The baby’s doing great. Thanks for asking.”

“I’m glad to hear it, and don’t worry. I’ve got your back.”

“Thanks, Marcus.”

We spend a few minutes more strategizing how we’ll handle the latest curveball in our case, and when we disconnect, I sit back in my chair, wishing I had a bag of Funyuns.

Silly pregnancy cravings. Last night I wanted salt and vinegar chips so bad, but not just any. I wanted Zapp’s salt and vinegar, and poor Garrett had to drive across the bay to find a bag.

“Olivia, I need to speak with you a moment.” Mom breezes into the room carrying a large duffel bag and two suitcases.

She looks like she’s going away for a year.

My brow furrows, and I rise to my feet. “What the hell?”

“Language, please.” Her lips purse with a frown.

I walk to where she’s stacking her bags. “What’s going on, Mother?”

“Your cousin Gwen just called while you were on the phone with Chicago. I didn’t want to interrupt you because you were working, and it sounded important.”

“What’s wrong with Gwen?” A cousin of my mother’s generation I haven’t seen since I was in middle school.

“You’re not going to believe this.” Mom slaps her hand against her leg. “She reallydidhave a hip replacement last week!”

“You’re right. I don’t believe it.”

“And she’s all alone in Evergreen with no one to help her. I figured I’d drive up there and stay with her until she’s back on her feet. What else can I do?”

“I can’t think of a thing.”

“I’ll have my phone, but I expect I’ll be gone forseveralweeks. You should have Garrett come and stay at the house with you.”

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