Page 34 of Chill’s Chance

“Thanks.” I walk over to place the plate and mug on the table in front of her. She grabs the coffee and takes several gulps, holding the cup to warm her hands before looking at Puma.

“I screwed up.” She repeats. “I asked some neighbors about who Nicole might have gone to for a loan. Thought maybe someone in the building pointed her in his direction. I tried to be nonchalant about it, but I think someone told him I was asking questions. He came to my apartment and tried to break the door down.” All of us tense up at her declaration, but we stay silent, letting her continue with her story. She leans forward and squeezes Puma’s hand. “Thank you for that door. If you hadn’t had Max switch it out, he would have gotten in before I could escape.”

“How did you escape?” Chill asks.

“I went through the window. Figured it worked for Slade.” Claudia says with a small smile. “I don’t think he knew I could open the bars from the inside, which was another blessing. By the time he broke in, I was on the bus. I saw him come out of the apartment building, but I wasn’t certain if he saw me or not.”

“Where did you go?” I ask her.

“To the casino. Your casino. I knew the bus wouldn’t take me out here.” She replies. “I thought maybe I could find someone from the club or someone who could help me get in contact with you. But before I could find someone, I saw him come in. I think he might have tracked my phone. My granddaughter says people can do that.”

Puma nods. “What did you do?”

“I stole the car.” She says, causing Puma’s mouth to drop open.

“Excuse me?” He says. Chill hands him the car keys. Attached to the ring is a tag. On the tag are numbers along with the 1% logo.

Holy fuck.

“You stole a car from the valet?” Puma asks. I can hear the concern but also a touch of humor.

Claudia nods. “I’m sorry. I didn’t know what else to do. When I saw the man coming in through the back, I rushed out the front. I saw the valet outside and approached him, but he was helping a man who was dropping off his car. The Porsche. I always liked them. Anyway, I saw him park the car and put the keys inside their little hut. I asked him to hide my purse for me. He was very nice. While he wasn’t looking, I took the keys.”

“How did you find us?” I ask as Chill shakes her head in disbelief. I know from experience that finding the Demon Dawg clubhouse is difficult without instructions.

“I gave her the address along with my number.” Puma replies for her. “Why didn’t you just call me?”

Claudia blushes. “I didn’t think about it.”

Puma squeezes her hand. “I understand. You’re safe now. Do you have any idea who was following you? Did you recognize him?”

“No. But I got a good look at him. If I see him again, I’ll recognize him.”

“You’ll stay here for the time-being.” Puma tells her. He looks up to see Max heading our way. “Max can show you a room you can use. If you need anything, just ask. I know Slade wants to see you.”

“I’d like my phone and my purse, but I should probably take the car back.” Claudia says.

“I’ll take care of the car.” Chill says, “and I’ll grab your phone and purse for you.” Earning a smile from Claudia.

“Thank you.” She finishes the sandwich and coffee. “Do you think I could call my granddaughter? She’ll worry if she can’t reach me, especially if she goes by my apartment and finds someone has broken in.”

“We can call her on my phone.” Max tells her as he walks with her down the hall. “And you make a list of whatever you need. I’ll go shopping after I fix your door.”

I hear Claudia protesting, but I know Max won’t let her win. He seems smitten with the older woman, in an I-never-had-a-grandmother-and-wish-she-was-mine kind of way.

“I’ll get everyone out of the panic room. I’m sure the kids would love to spend time with Claudia, and I think she could use the distraction.” Showtime says, heading down the hall toward the media room.

“So, everything is fine?” Trouble asks Puma.

“Yeah, we’ll get the car back to the casino. Claudia isn’t a threat, but thanks for following her here. You can’t be too careful.” Puma says.

“Good.” He turns back to his men. “You guys can head back. I want to say hi to Mal and then I’ll be right behind you.” Trouble and Puma take off after Showtime, leaving me with Chill.

“Want me to drive the SUV to the casino?” I ask her. “I can get a cab back or take an Uber.”

Chill shakes her head. “I’ll follow you. I want to check out the security cameras and see if I can get an image of the guy following Claudia. I can drive you back, as long as you don’t mind riding bitch?” She asks with a smirk, handing the keys to the Porche over to me.

“Riding a bike with my arms around the sexiest women I’ve ever met? Not going to say no.” I tell her, pulling her close and kissing her temple.

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