Page 34 of This Feeling

She waved me off. “Nonsense, you’ve earned your title. All those years you were in the Army.”

Gavin choked back another laugh, and I shot him a warning look before focusing back on Betty Lou. “Marines.”

Frowning, she asked, “I’m sorry?”

“I was in the Marines, not the Army.”

“Yes, that’s right,” she said, motioning to her head. “Old age and all.”

Deciding I needed to move her along, I asked, “Was there something we could help you with?”

“Yes, indeed, there is. Someone has parked in a handicap spot, and they donotappear to be handicapped.”

I stared at her, then looked at Gavin, who was trying hard not to lose it.

“How do you know they’re not?” I asked.

She gave me a look that said I’d just asked the stupidest question she’d ever heard.

“They got out of the car and walked into the store just fine. That’s how I know.”

Gavin sighed next to me. “Betty Lou, we’ve talked about this before. Just because a person doesn’tlookhandicapped, doesn’t mean they aren’t.”

“Well, I think that’s silly! What if someone uses their mother’s car with the handicap plate and takes advantage of it? You both need to track them down and ask them what their handicap is! This is the second time I’ve seen them in that parking space.”

I shook my head. “I’m afraid we won’t do that, Mrs. Stark.”

Her hands went to her hips, and she glared at me. “And why not, Declan Gallagher? I know your mother, and I’ll be forced to tell her you didn’t do your job.”

I laughed. “I don’t think that kind of threat works on a thirty-five-year-old, ma’am.”

She huffed, and now crossed her arms over her chest. “I want to know what this person’s handicap is that they need to park in that space.”

“Doyouneed the spot?” I asked.

Confused, she asked, “What do you mean?”

“Do you need that parking spot?”

“No!” she cried. “I’m not handicapped.”

“Then mind your own business.”

With that, I turned and started down the street.

“Well, I have never! Did you hear what he said to me?” Betty Lou said to Gavin.

“I’m afraid he’s right, Betty Lou,” Gavin said, as I stopped and glanced back. “Is it a black Nissan sedan, by chance?”

She tilted her head and regarded Gavin. “Yes.”

“Theyarehandicapped.”

“How do you know?”

Sighing, Gavin said, “Because I just know.”

“Well, what’s wrong with them?”

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