Page 56 of Midnight Auto Parts

We’d started specializing, learned it was cheaper to send customers home in a rideshare than to let Josie run wild in any garden centers she passed by while playing chauffeur to customers, and we let it go to a neighborhood kid with a knack for rebuilding cars for the cost of repairs we had already done.

“I backed into the parking spot. All he’s got to do is drive a straight line, turn, and then we’re home.”

“It’s your car, Francita.” He raised his hands. “You do what you see fit with her.”

Had he been alive, I had no doubt the wagon wouldn’t have been a gift for me but for him. From him.

Much like Kierce’s rather specific interest in a 1976 Toyota Land Cruiser FJ40. What can I say? Pascal had a knack for conning people into financing his wish list of project cars. He might not get to keep them, but it was enough he got to restore them.

“You’ve been friends with us for too long.” He dredged up a sigh. “You ignored my guilt trip like a pro.”

“Don’t blame yourself.” I patted his shoulder. “I learned early how to tune out siblings.”

“Even other people’s siblings?”

“Especially those.”

His good-natured grumble about how he had experiencedrealhangovers in his day as I slapped a cold electrolyte drink in his hand, just in case, made me smile.

“Oh. I forgot to ask. Have you guys heard anything about disappearances near Limehouse?”

“Limehouse? That in South Carolina?” At the wagon, Pascal settled on the backseat and made the sign of the cross. “I haven’t heard anything, but I’ll ask Paco and Pedro when I get home.”

With a firm hand, I nudged Kierce behind the wheel then shut him in so he couldn’t change his mind and bolt. Tempted to mimic Pascal’s motions, I circled the vehicle to claim the spot beside Kierce. “This is going to be fun.”

Kierce, hands resting on his thighs, didn’t appear convinced by my enthusiasm.

“Place your hands at ten and two…” I walked him through the basics while we sat in the parking lot, then I encouraged him to turn the key. “Check your mirrors then ease your foot off the brake. Yes. Just like that. Now place it on the accelerator.”

Knuckles white where they gripped the steering wheel, Kierce followed my instructions, jolting when the wagon moved forward. He cut a panicked look at me, and Pascal jabbed a finger into his cheek to force his head forward again.

We lurched home in bursts of acceleration that broke Kierce out in a cold sweat.

As soon as the shop was in sight, he declared, “I’ve learned enough for one day.”

Shoving open the door, he stepped out of the wagon to suck in deep breaths.

“Guess this means we’ll practice parking next time.” I slid over behind the wheel. “Just a word of advice? Maybe don’t leap from moving vehicles?” I heard the question in my tone and knew it came from doubt I should be giving advice to anyone on that score. “Also? Put the car in park before you exit the vehicle.” I indicated the flat area where we sat. “Had this happened on a hill, the car—and its passengers—would have rolled away.”

“I apologize.” He wouldn’t look at me. “I didn’t think it would be so difficult.”

“That’s what I’ve thought after every lesson you’ve given me.” I patted the seat. “Do you want a ride?”

“No.” He stumbled back a step. “I’ll walk.”

After shutting the door, I guided the wagon the last few yards to the parking lot and turned in. “Well?”

“Well, what?” Pascal drawled from the backseat. “Are you waiting for me to sayI told you so?”

“You just did.” I twisted to face him. “Be nice, Pascal, I’m warning you.”

With a grunt, he exited the wagon and headed for the garage, shaking his head the whole way.

I didn’t get a chance to open my door before Kierce was there, doing it for me.

“I’m sorry I was so careless.” He held out his hand for mine, helping me exit. “I put you and Matty at risk.”

“This is a flat stretch of quiet road. It’s a great place for you to learn to drive.” I invited myself to cinch my arms around his waist. “You do have to be cautious while operating a vehicle or people will get hurt, but I won’t put you in a situation where that’s a concern until you’re ready. Just breathe. You did great.”

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