Page 54 of Tide and Seek
“There’s no real reason to think otherwise.”I sighed at his uncertain expression.“We can’t let something like this ruin our vacation.We had a little bad luck today and we ran into a psycho with a chip on his shoulder.Maybe the guy hates Hummers.Who knows?The important thing is we’re both okay, and we should put it behind us.”
He nodded, letting out a soft exhale.“You’re right.I guess I’m beginning to feel a little paranoid.It’s almost like someone wants us to go back to Rainy Dale.”
“But why would anyone want that?”I tried to sound as reasonable as possible.“I’ll admit it’s been an interesting few days, but I can’t imagine things not quieting down now.We’ll get a replacement car from the rental place and focus on enjoying the rest of the time we have here.Okay?”
He gnawed on his bottom lip.“You’re awfully upbeat for a guy who almost crashed off a mountain.”
“That’s because we didn’t crash.”I put my hands on his shoulders.“We made it out alive.So let’s not get all bogged down in what could have been.The fact is we’re fine and we still have lots of time here in LA to enjoy ourselves.”
There was obvious skepticism in his blue eyes, but he allowed a little nod of agreement.“Fine.I’ll try to be more optimistic.”
“That’s more like it.”I smiled and gently tugged him against me.He was stiff at first, but then he relaxed into me.I was glad because I needed the soothing warmth of his living, breathing body against mine.While I was trying to be upbeat for his sake, I was shaken by how close we’d come to dying.Despite my words and my effort to play things down, that attack had felt personal.
I didn’t want to be paranoid, but it truly did feel like some malevolent plan was unfolding, and that somehow Max was at the center of it.And if that were true, I had absolutely no idea why that might be, or how to keep Max safe.
Chapter Eleven
Maxwell
Surprisingly, Tippity Top Car Rentals were exceedingly professional about the accident.Fortunately, I’d paid for full coverage, which meant I wasn’t on the hook for a dime of the Hummer’s damage.
The woman on the phone soothed my frayed nerves with the calm efficiency of someone who handled wrecked cars every day.Her breezy confidence almost convinced me this sort of chaos was perfectly normal, though I doubted most of their customers were being run off canyon roads by homicidal maniacs.
C.J.pulled up to her house as I was taking photos of the damage.She jumped out of her BMW, eyes wide as she ran over to examine the dented and scraped Hummer.“What happened?”she exclaimed.
“I had my first road-rage experience today.”I kept my tone light although I was a ball of anxiety.
“Are you serious?”She blinked at me.
Nodding, I clicked a few more photos.“All I can say is I’m glad I opted for the full insurance package.I’ve been assured there will be no mountains of paperwork, and that the Hummer will be picked up in the morning by their very own Tippity Top towing service.”
“Oh, Max.I’m so sorry,” she wailed.“Of all the rotten luck.”
“I know.I can’t believe how crazy this trip has been so far.”I sighed and tucked my phone away, feeling disheartened.“I’ll be surprised if Royce doesn’t sneak out in the night and take a plane back to Rainy Dale.So far our L.A.trip has been a disaster.We’re supposed to be relaxing, not finding dead bodies and being driven off the road.”
She put her arm around my shoulders.“I’m sure Royce doesn’t blame you for any of this.”
“Of course not,” I mumbled.“And even if he did, he’s too nice to ever say anything.But he has to be wishing he’d never come.Hell, I’m wishing I’d never come.”
She pouted.“Don’t say that.I’m so happy you’re here.This has just been an unusually weird few days.It’ll get better, you just watch.”She glanced around.“Where’s Royce?He’s not injured, is he?”
“No.”I grimaced.“He’s barbecuing some steaks while I handle the insurance crap.He did bump his head against the window when the other car hit our rear bumper, but I’ve checked him over.He’s fine.”
“Is there anything I can do?”
“No, but thanks for asking.”I forced a smile, hoping she’d stop looking so worried.It was kind of her to care so much, but it also made me uncomfortable.“It’ll be fine.Don’t look so stressed.”
“I can’t help it.”She grimaced.“Did you get the license plate of the car that hit you?”
“We did.We gave it to the deputy who took our statement.”
“Are they going to go get the guy?”She scowled.“I mean, attacking someone with a car is assault with a vehicle, right?They need to go pick that guy up right away.”
I held up my hands.“Uh… there is a bit more to the story.”
Looking sheepish, she smiled.“Sorry.”
“According to the deputy, when he ran the plates of the other car, it came back stolen.”
