Page 45 of Near Miss

“Act surprised.”

“It won’t be the first time.”

Chapter 25

Matilda held out her empty glass. “Another, please.”

Stone poured her another two fingers of Knob Creek. “If you sip it, it will last longer.”

“Tell me that on a day when someone doesn’t try to blow me up.” She downed the whiskey and held out her glass again.

This time, Stone poured a single finger, which she disposed of in the same manner, then stood. “If you’ll excuse me, I think I’ll go lay down.”

Without another word, she headed up to the master bedroom, leaving Stone and Carly in the study.

“I don’t think she’s taking Trench’s death well,” Carly said.

“It’s not so muchhisdeath, but that it could have been hers.”

“Clearly, she hasn’t hung around you long enough, or she would be used to it by now.”

“Are you saying you are used to it?”

“Funny, even when we had that trouble in Maine, the threat of death didn’t bother me. In fact, it was kind of exciting.”

“I’m not sure that’s the right attitude to have.”

Carly shrugged. “I can’t help my attitude. It just is.”

“I suppose, but do yourself a favor, and don’t mention that to anyone else. They might not be as understanding.”

“Again, with the warnings.”

“Believe me, it’s for your own good.”

“I guess I’ll have to take your word for it.”

“You do.”

Dino entered the study. “I’m glad to see you both in one piece.”

“Technically, we are two pieces,” Carly said.

“Technically, I’m still glad.”

“Any news yet?” Stone asked.

“The car that’s not a car anymore was registered to one Thomas Bozeman, known to his friends as Bozo. I can confirm there was one other clown with him.”

“Trench Molder.”

“That won’t be official until the DNA test is performed. But I can tell you that a singed and partially intact wallet was found containing ID for said individual.”

“Drink?” Stone asked.

“I thought you’d never ask.”

Once Dino had a glass in his hand, he said, “Where’s our Matilda?”

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