page82 (2/2)

Ah shit

“No need for language like that,” Mrs Webbly said, co up behind me

“Sorry, didn’t realize I said that out loud,” I told her, feeling as sheepish as if rinned atit a little shake Ice cubes rattled inside

“Need more whiskey,” she said “Your dad had soo hoht?”

“No, he hasn’t,” I said “Once he’s out for the evening, he’s out”

“Soely “Your mother used to complain about that—how he’d snore like a train and sleep so soundly she couldn’t wake hiot”

“Thanks for helping us,” I said, feeling suddenly aard “I know this isn’t your responsibility”

“Bullshit I’ve lived here since before you were born If that doesn’t h that I want to keep an eye on hiain?”

“Thursday”

“Good Be sure and tell the doctor that while he’s had trouble keeping up with the building for the last couple years, this mental stuff didn’t really start until Tricia died It was sudden”

I cocked my head at her, surprised “I’d assuht up with my life in Seattle”

Mrs Webbly shook her head

“If that’s the case, I never saw it,” she said firmly

Huh

“Okay, I’ll make sure I mention it”

“And have fun with your young ht up with us at the start, but he had good reasons I’ve lived in Hallies Falls hthawks rise and then I saw theood that he came here, Tinker I’m certain of that”

Okay

“I’h At this rate she’d start giving me sex tips next

“Just be safe,” she replied “You be sure to use—”

“No JustNo”

Her laughter rang out as I ran for the door

Sometimes retreat is the only option

• • •

I’ve never been aup to the curb on his Harleywell, let’s just say we hadn’t even officially started the date and erous, I realized He was dangerous, and not just because he was part of aafter him from the minute I first saw hi I’d felt since I’d lost , at least