Page 113 of Cold Case, Warm Hearts

Josie didn’t press, just waited while Aspen contemplated the question. She did need a ride. But could she trust Josie? She should have called Grace already. If she’d been thinking straight, she would have. But it would take Grace some time to get here, time that Garrett could use to find her.

If not Garrett, Dean. The thought brought a healthy spike of fear.

But was Josie safe?

“Can I ask you a question?” Aspen said.

“Sure.”

“How long have you lived in Coventry?”

“Three years.”

“Is your family from here? Do you know a lot about the history of the town?”

In the light of the moon, Aspen saw the woman’s eyes narrow. “Uh, no.”

“Do you know anything about me?”

“Aside from your penchant for asking weird questions?” She infused humor into her voice. “Let’s see… You’ve had coffee with the mayor and the chief of police this week.” The humor faded. “One of my customers reamed you out for something that, from what I could tell, had nothing to do with you. And, I admit, I’ve noticed a couple of people trying to get a good look at you. I’ve heard whispers. But I have no idea what any of it’s about.”

“My mother was a murderer.” Aspen said the words to garner a reaction, but Josie barely flinched.

“That doesn’t make you one. Or does it? Am I risking my life here?”

“I’ve never hurt anyone.”

“Judging by the look I caught on your face when I first saw you, I’m guessing you’re thinking about it.”

Aspen laughed, the sound strange in the quiet night. “Maybe. Where are you headed?”

“Back to town. Come on.”

It was a risk, but standing on the street felt like more of one. And it wasn’t as if this woman was a total stranger. Aspen climbed into the passenger seat.

“Where to?” Josie asked.

“I can have my friend meet me wherever you’re headed.”

Josie seemed about to argue but instead said, “I’m going back to the shop.”

“Is it still open?”

“Yeah, but I’m not working tonight.” She shot a smile Aspen’s way. “I live there. I have an apartment upstairs.”

“Oh. Nice commute.” Aspen texted Grace where she was headed and asked if she’d mind picking her up.

Grace responded almost immediately.On my way.She didn’t ask Aspen what had happened or why she needed a ride. Aspen appreciated that.

Josie made a few turns and got them back to what looked more like a main road. It was wider, anyway, even if there were still no streetlights.

“You want to talk about it?” she asked after a few minutes.

“I thought I had someone I could trust,” Aspen said. “Turns out, I was wrong.”

Josie nodded. “Sorry about that.” Another few beats of quiet passed. “You’re new to town, right?”

“Just passing through. I inherited a house here. I was thinking about hanging around, but now… Any chance you want to buy a house?”

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