Page 68 of The Tenant
Although it occurs to me, in the back of my head, that now my fingerprints are all over that paper bag.
I bring Malcolm’s number up on my phone and start to click on it, but then I hesitate, remembering the way he chatted amicably with Whitney this morning. That was so strange. But then again, his explanation about knowing her from the diner made sense. There’s no reason not to trust him. I’m second-guessing everyone lately.
Finally, I select his number, and it rings a few times. He might not answer. He is, after all, likely at work. I’m the only unemployed loser here. But at least I have my freedom—for now.
“Hello?” Malcolm’s deep voice floats into my ear. “Blake? Is that you?”
I clear my throat. “Uh, yeah.”
“Everything okay, man?”
“Yeah, definitely.” It might be the biggest lie I have told in my entire life. “But, listen, I need a favor.”
“Sure. What is it?”
“I need to borrow your car.”
“My car?” He sounds flabbergasted. “Why do you need my car?”
“I have to take a little road trip.”
“To where?”
“Not far. Just New Jersey.”
“Jersey?” He couldn’t have sounded more surprised if I told him I was going to the moon. “Why are you goingthere?”
“I’m visiting a friend.”
“What about the PATH train?”
“It’s a little…far out there.” I’m still holding Whitney’s transcript, and it crinkles underneath my grip. “Where is your car? Is it in the garage at your apartment building?”
“Yeah, but…” He hesitates. “I don’t know about this, Blake. All of a sudden, you need to go to Bumfuck, New Jersey? And if there’s an accident, I’m not even sure my insurance would cover it. Do you have insurance?”
I obviously don’t. Why would I have car insurance when I don’t even have a car? “I’m a really careful driver. I promise, it will be fine.”
“I’m sorry, man.” He sighs. “I want to help you out, but… I don’t think it’s a good idea. But, listen, what if we went out and got a drink again to talk about all this or…”
“I don’t need adrink!” I snap at him. “I need acar.”
I shouldn’t have yelled at him. I can tell by the silence on the other line that I upset him. If there was any chance at all he was willing to help me, I have blown it.
“Are you sure you’re okay?” he presses me.
“Forget it,” I mumble. And I hang up.
Okay, Malcolm won’t let me borrow his car. But that’s fine. I can rent a car. I don’t need him.
One way or another, I am doing this. I am getting to the bottom of this if it’s the last thing I do.
41
I end up renting a Corolla.
It costs more than I wanted to spend, but it won’t be too bad if I can return the car before the end of the day, which I should be able to. Anyway, it’s all on my credit card, and that bill isn’t coming for two more weeks. That’s a problem for Future Blake.
It’s after lunch by the time I manage to get on the road. There’s more traffic than I expected, but I go as fast as I dare on the highway. I keep an eye on the GPS on my phone, my heart speeding up with every mile behind me.
