Page 33 of Shadows of You

“You startin’ early today?”

“I have to drop off my car at the mechanics’. Something’s going on with one of the cables.”

Lawson straightened. “Want me to grab Cady from school later?”

“You don’t have to.”

“I’m happy to. We can swing by and get you, too.”

I glanced at my station wagon. “If you could get her, that would be a help. They’re just going to look things over today so I can get the car at three, but I don’t want to be late here.”

“You got it. I’ll take them for a snack and then drop her at your place on the way home.”

“Thanks, Law. Just let me know when I can take the boys off your hands for an afternoon.”

He shook his head. “You don’t want my three maniacs all at once. They bring terror and destruction when they travel in a pack.”

I barked out a laugh. “I’ve officially been warned. But I really am happy to help.”

Only I knew Lawson wouldn’t take it. A playdate with Charlie? Sure. But he never seemed to want to burden me with more.

“Thanks, Aspen. I’ll let you know.”

I gave him a quick wave and headed for my wagon. It took two tries for it to start, but the engine finally caught. I eased out of the parking lot and turned toward town.

Checking the time, I pulled over in front of the post office. I dashed inside and waved to Jules behind the desk. “How are things?”

“Boring as ever,” the woman in her sixties called back.

“Boring is good,” I told her.

“I think I need to get me one of those younger lovers.”

I choked on a laugh as I retrieved my mail from my PO box. “Sounds like a good plan to me. Let me know how that goes for you.”

“Oh, I will. Ingreatdetail.”

I sent her another wave and headed back to my car. I quickly flipped through my mail as I went and began opening things. Electric bill. A notice from Cady’s school about a play. There was one envelope with no return address.

I tore it open and tugged free a piece of paper. My blood went cold as I took in the scrawl.

You think you can take her from me? You’re going to pay. In blood.

10

ASPEN

“You sure you’re all right?”the mechanic asked as he scrubbed a hand over his salt-and-pepper beard.

I forced my smile wider. “Just a little too much coffee this morning.”

It was the only reason I could think of for why my hands were trembling and how I’d jumped sky-high when one of the other mechanics dropped a wrench.

Jim chuckled. “I know how that is. I gotta make sure I have me a good breakfast with protein, fat, and slow-burning carbs before I hit the caffeine.”

“I’ll have to remember that next time.” I cast a look over my shoulder and out to the street. As if someone would be wearing a sign that read:John sent me.

A chill skated over my skin. It had to be him. The handwriting was too familiar. The postmark. My mouth went dry. A part of me wanted to head right over to the school, pick up Cady, and run fast and far.

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