Page 41 of Rat

“I know, I remember from last time.”

Rory swallowed. “How did the speed dating go?”

“Ah…the speed dating.”

“That memorable?”

“I didn’t match with two guys, so it wasn’tthatmemorable. But I did get on with one guy. He’s called Danny. He’s a bit of a petrolhead and has a black mustang he’s practically in love with.”

“Competition already?”

“It happens to be a beauty of a car, and my God, does it purr.”

Rory raised his eyebrows. “You’ve been out in it?”

“Oh yeah.” Erica chuckled. “I was clinging on for dear life, but it was exhilarating.”

“We are talking about the car right, not your sex life?”

“The car, but now you’ve mentioned it—”

“No, thank you,” Rory interrupted with a snort.

“I think you’ll like him,” Erica said softly. “He’s nice.”

“Nice?”

“Handsome too, and he can cook. You know how badly I need a man that can cook.”

Rory smiled. “I know firsthand how awful your culinary skills are.”

“Harsh,” Erica mused. “But fair. I want you to meet him.”

“Wow,” Rory said. “How many times have you seen him?”

“Every other day.”

Rory’s eyebrows shot up.

“It feels right,” Erica said. “Like we’ve got this connection, and let’s face it, I’m not getting any younger.”

“You’re only thirty.”

Erica groaned. “Don’t remind me.”

“How old is Danny?”

“Thirty-two. He works at some car body-work place, hence the immaculate mustang.” She sighed. “I think I’m falling for the car at the same time I’m falling for him.”

“I hope the three of you will be happy together.”

Erica laughed, but it tapered off into a sigh. “Hurry up and catch the bad guy so I can have my brother back.”

“I’m working on it,” Rory promised.

Rory hurried through the wing to the gate that led to the yard. He sat down on a bench and clutched his side. The inmates were playing football again, the shirtless against the shirted. Rory leaned back and watched them play. They hooted, they celebrated, and sometimes they pushed their chests together and started a fight. The officers outside beat their batons on the wall and threatened to take the ball away if things escalated.

The fighting ceased, and they were kicking the ball around as if the ruckus hadn’t happened.

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