Page 79 of Sunset Cove
When they reached Anacortes, Hank gave Margie a kiss and told her to be careful.
“I’m always careful,” she said.
He smiled. “Right. Claire, keep an eye on her. Let me know if you need a ride back. I’ll be waiting for your call.”
Margie smiled at him and squeezed his hand. “Thanks sweetie.”
Waiting on her call.Claire had never had a guy wait on her call. More pathetically, she’d always waited on theirs. Perhaps romance wasn’t meant for everyone. It certainly wasn’t meant for her.
They took a taxi from the dock to the car rental office. Margie had already arranged for a car, and it was waiting for them when they arrived.
“Do you want me to drive?” Margie asked. “I’m sure you’re still quite shaken up.”
Claire nodded. “That would be nice.”
They started their drive to Seattle and Claire didn’t know what to say. She couldn’t get over what a wonderful friend Margie was, and how guilty she felt about the whole affair. She hoped this favor wouldn’t land Margie in trouble too.
Margie wouldn’t let the silence stand, of course, and after twenty minutes she made her first demand. “All right, Claire,” she said, looking over. “Spill it.”
“Spill what?”
Margie let out a sigh, turning down the radio. “Tell me what happened.”
“I’m still not quite sure.” Claire paused. “The FBI searched the room where Marty was staying and found his wallet.”
“Oh no! Did they find him, too?”
“No,” Claire said. “I don’t think so.”
“Do you know where he is?”
Claire shook her head. “I don’t. I feel awful. I promised that I would keep him safe and…”
“He is safe, Claire. I’m sure of it.”
Claire wasn’t so sure. She sat in silence.
Margie spoke again. “Why is Lucy in trouble?”
“They said that she’d concealed a fugitive. I guess because the room was in her name? I never should have let her do that. I should’ve kept him at the cabin.”
“What’s done is done,” Margie said matter-of-factly. “From here, there’s nothing left to do but to figure it out together.”
Claire said nothing. It would be best if she weren’t involved in the figuring out. She had done quite enough already.
Melanie met them outside of the prison. “I had a chance to speak to Lucy. She’s doing well.”
“Is she?” Claire asked. Her heart felt broken.
Melanie gave her a reassuring smile. “Of course. They’re not mistreating her, and she isn’t afraid. In fact, she’s being rather sassy with them.”
Margie chuckled. “I bet she is.”
Claire felt like she was going to be sick again. “Is it a serious charge?”
“It is.” Melanie frowned. “They’re not really after her, though. They’re after Marty.”
Claire narrowed her eyes. “What does that mean?”
