Page 39 of Cold, Cold Bones
Despite my cautiousness, now and then a rear wheel lost traction and we fishtailed. Each time, Katy’s hands flew forward to brace on the dash.
No one spoke until I pulled to the curb in front of her house.
“Sorry I overreacted,” Katy mumbled, sounding not all that sorry.
“Driving in snow freaks me out, too.”
“But you did it.”
“I did.”
“Old-lady style,” she added.
I cut a sideways glance at my daughter. She was grinning. Her sense of humor was restored now that she was home and felt safe? I noticed that she wasn’t reaching for the door handle. Maybe she, too, sensed that more needed to be said.
“What’s up, kiddo?” I asked.
“What do you mean?”
Tread carefully,Brennan.
“You don’t seem yourself.”
“And what is myself?” The last word indicating we were back to prickly.
“Self-assured, tough, confident. A woman with a bring-it-on attitude.”
Katy said nothing. Seconds passed.
The car grew chilly. Or so it seemed to me.
I tapped a button to pump up the heat.
Inside, the only sound was the hum of the blower. Outside, several streets over, an engine growled and metal scraped concrete. Hot damn. Who knew our fair city owned plows?
The silence seemed to last forever. Then, Katy said something completely unrelated.
“I really think I’ll like working with the homeless.”
I took the hint and went along. “That’s good.”
“It will be rewarding.”
“What services does Roof Above offer?”
“The usual. Food, clothing, housing, counseling.”
“What will they have you doing?”
“A little of each.” Her mouth twisted up on one side as she snorted. “Except counseling. I’m hardly the one for that.”
Snow was falling hard now. Knowing I should keep moving, I decided to stay. As long as Katy was willing to open up, I’d linger and face the consequences later.
“Just curious,” I said. “Why have you chosen to work with men?”
Katy shrugged. “I know women have major problems. Especially those with kids. And those with asshole spouses or ex’s who smack them around. But, in general, I think abused and homeless women get more attention. As a result, they have more options.”
“Could be.” Not sure I agreed with that.
