Page 3 of Open Secrets
I arched a brow. “Good deal, huh? We’ll see.”
The engine coughed awake like a dying smoker. Still, we pulled onto Pike, windows down, warm air blasting in. For an hour, it almost felt good.
Then the phone rang. One call. And everything turned sour with Mr Pompous dick.
I was still stewing when the car sputtered.
Lyle frowned, tapped the gas. “Come on, baby. Don’t do this now.”
The engine groaned, then died right there on the shoulder.
I crossed my arms. “Uh-huh. Real good deal.”
He popped the hood. Smoke hissed out.
I sighed, wishing my father had bought me that cell phone. I checked his in the holder, no service. Perfect.
“Easy fix?” I asked, voice dripping sarcasm.
He shot me a look. “Mechanic said it was good.”
“Old Teddy?” I barked a laugh. “You got played.”
His jaw tightened. He slammed the hood shut. “Guess we walk.”
“Walk where? Pike runs empty for miles.”
“Then we head back toward town.”
“Great plan,” I snapped. “We’ll get flattened by a trucker before we make it halfway.”
His patience snapped. “What do you suggest?”
I tilted my head, smirking. “There’s a spot the seniors use, couple miles in. Old shed. We wait it out there till someone comes looking.”
He squinted. “Through the woods? At night?”
“You can stay here,” I shot back, arms folded. “I’ll bring help. Princess.”
He stepped closer, bristling. “I meant we should go now. While there’s light.”
I narrowed my eyes. “Leave the car?”
“What’s anyone gonna do? Steal it?” He yanked his jacket out of the backseat, grabbed his useless phone, and slung the jacket over his shoulder. “Let’s go.”
I smirked, spun on my heel. “This way, darlin’.”
His footsteps caught up quick.
The woods swallowed us fast — heat, shadows, bugs whining. For a few blessed minutes, silence. Then, of course, he opened his mouth.
“So, what happened to the sweet girl from school?”
I snapped my head toward him. “What?”
“You were all southern charm there. Now?” He ducked under a branch. “Wicked witch.”
My jaw clenched. “Guess I don’t like bein’ called a thing.”
