Page 3 of Hiss and Make Up
At least the dog was going back where he came from, not into the woods. If he was still wandering in a day or two nosing around the campsites for food, they’d get a call. She might have to borrow the microchip scanner Liz used for her cat rescue.
Sierra slammed the heavy, creaking door shut and begged the motor to turn over. After a bit of protest, the vehicle heaved to a start. She shifted in her seat, and the bone poked her leg from inside her pocket. As she waited for the car to warm up, she pulled the bone out to examine it again and debated how long she could put off talking to Liz. But she couldn’t stop thinking about how happy Luna would be with this treasure.
After four long rings, Liz answered. “Yeah, kind of busy.”
“You’re always busy.”
“I’ve got a client about to walk in.”
“Inking more butts today?”
“Nope. Next one’s real classy,” Liz said. “Finishing up a full sleeve with—get this—a toilet.”
“Nice. Sounds like a real charming fellow.”
“Girl.”
“Even better,” Sierra said. “I’ve got something for Luna I want to drop off later. Just making sure you’ll be there.”
She could have waited until tonight, but she hoped this might make Luna’s afternoon therapy appointment a little less awful. While she had firm plans tonothave kids of her own, Sierra adored Liz’s daughter. The kid was smart and curious and resilient as hell, and she’d been dealt a kind of shitty hand already in her short life.
“Yup,” Liz said. “Got a full schedule until I get Luna.”
“I have to drive out to Breaux Bridge, then I’ll swing by on my way back to work.”
“Breaux Bridge?”
“Long story. I’ll tell you later.” She took a deep breath and ripped off the bandage. “It’ll tag on nicely to my story about how I lost my job last night.”
“Wait,what?”
“I’ll tell you later. I have to do this thing and look for another job later. But I’ll figure it out.”
“I can’t wait to hear this one,” Liz said, her voice dripping with sarcasm. Then, a painful pause. “Do I need to cancel Luna’s appointment?”
“No,” she insisted. “Absolutely not. I’m telling you, I’ll figure something out.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure. It’ll be fine.” She squeezed her eyes shut, hoping she wasn’t lying. “But first, I’ve gotta check out this guy’s snake.”
“Um—”
“Sadly, no,” she said, ignoring the flutter taking hold in her stomach at the thought of her destination. “I’ll see you later. Have fun with the toilet.”
As much as she didn’t want to disappoint Liz, she couldn’t keep the truth from her. Liz was her only real friend, and they’d been sharing all their secrets for years.
Sierra meant what she’d said. She’d figure this out. She’d get the money. Somehow.
But she’d have to figure outhowlater. For now, she had to see a guy about a bashed up snake.
* * *
Marc stared wide-eyed at the surrounding chaos. Tiny shoes and socks tossed across every inch of carpet. Two little girls running in their pajamas screaming that they already brushed their teeth and hair. And his sister Denise—the calm epicenter of it all—commanding the troops.
They had a group scavenger hunt at the university art museum that morning. A convenient exit while Marc dealt with their unexpected guest.
The dead guest in the shed.
