Page 37 of Mother Clucker

One glance at the screen told me it was from Heather.

Drew looked at the time on the old schoolhouse clock hanging on the wall and lifted a brow. “Ten o’clock. Little late for business texts, isn’t it?”

He was fishing. He should just cut bait because I wasn’t in the mood for fishing either. But actually, he was wrong because what she’d texted me certainly seemed like business to me.

HEATHER: I have a bunch of things to show you. When can we meet?

It had only been a few hours, but I wasn’t completely surprised. She seemed the type that once she got her teeth into a bone she wasn’t letting go of it until it was done.

I glanced up at Drew. He was about to get his wish. “What’s the name of this place with the band?”

“O’Malley’s. It’s about five minutes down the road.”

I punched in a reply.

DAVID: You free now? Drew and I are about to head to a bar by his place. O’Malley’s.

HEATHER: Meet you there.

Well, that was easy. I stood and pocketed my phone. “All right. Ready?”

“Ready for what?” he asked.

“To go to this bar.”

He widened his eyes, then shook his head. “You know. You’re enough to give a man whiplash.”

“You’d be bored if I weren’t.” I smiled.

Drew laughed. “Probably.”

He hoisted himself off the sofa and hit the remote to turn off the television. I’d been subjected to reality TV but I had at least convinced him to watch a fishing show.

As we headed for the front door, he asked, “Any chance Heather is bringing Lucy?”

“What?” I stopped mid-step.

“It’s obvious we’re meeting Heather at the bar.”

“What makes you think that?” I asked since I knew I hadn’t told him.

“Who else do you know in town besides me?”

“I know people. I know Anna.”

“The lawyer? Yeah, she’s not texting you at this hour. I saw that honking diamond on her ring finger.”

“Fine. It was Heather.” I hated when Drew was right.

“So, text and see if she’s bringing Lucy.”

“This isn’t a social call. This is business.”

“And she and Lucy work together so that tracks . . .” Drew eyed me. “Besides, a good wingman would text.”

“Fine.” Before climbing into Drew’s truck I pulled my cell out of my pocket.

He settled himself in the driver’s seat and looked at me. “But don’t make it look too obvious.”

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