Tips for Living(82)

I’d spent the last five minutes on hold as Avis played Gershwin’s “Rhapsody in Blue.” The agent finally picked up. I cleared my throat.

“Hello! I work at Lynchburg Media. My boss rented a car from you last weekend in New York City. Unfortunately, he seems to have misplaced the receipt. I’m trying to get a copy for his expense report. His last name is Walker. First name Tobias. I’d really appreciate your help.”

She bought the story. “I’m sure we can locate that for you. It might take a minute,” she said. “Rhapsody” resumed while she put me on hold again.

Grace appeared carrying a tray of scrumptious chocolate squares. She set them on a small bamboo table near the chaise along with a stack of paper napkins.

“Take a few. I don’t want the kids to eat too many. Did you find anything yet?”

“Nothing at Hertz. I’m on with Avis. If Tobias didn’t rent a car there, there are still six more companies.”

Grace started back for the kitchen. Suddenly, I felt a crushing weight in my chest. I reached for her hand and held on, barely getting my words out.

“Grace. Sometimes it feels like none of this is real. It can’t be. It’s too insane.”

“I know.”

“If I let myself think about Hugh, what happened to him, what he was feeling right before the gun went off. If he watched them kill Helene first or . . .”

“Don’t.”

Grace squeezed my hand. I took a breath.

“What if they never find out who murdered them? What if I go to jail, or worse? Even if they don’t charge me, people will always wonder if I killed them.” I’d always wonder.

“I feel so helpless,” I said.

“You’re innocent, Nora.” Grace sat on the arm of the chaise, still holding my hand. “We’ll do whatever it takes to prove it.”

I couldn’t summon my own faith, but I held on tightly to hers. “I really needed to hear that. You’re my rock, Grace.”

“Oh, honey.”

Grace released my hand and stroked my head. Mac’s voice interrupted us.

“I think I’d better drive to the hardware store and pick up a bag of salt for the driveway,” he announced.

I sat up and pulled myself together as he walked in from the den.

“The brownies done already?” He made a beeline for them and grabbed one. “The weather alert just said they’re predicting fourteen inches by morning. We’re breaking a record. Maybe I’ll order takeout at Mao’s for dinner while I’m at it?” He bit into his brownie. “Mmm. Outstanding. Do we have enough for me to bring one to Crawley?”

“Why would you do that?” I asked, offended.

“I feel for the guy. He pulled such a crap assignment,” he said as he wrapped another brownie in a paper napkin. “He’s sidelined here watching you while his buddies at county get to hunt the killer.” He walked over to the coatrack and grabbed his coat and cap. “It’s only a matter of time before they nab whoever did it, and poor Crawley will have missed all the action.”

I was touched. He had faith in me, too.

“What if I pick up a DVD at the library? Or how about Thai food instead of Chinese? Or is Italian better?” he asked, bundling up for the storm.

Grace shrugged, accustomed to Mac’s multiple-choice questions.

“Anything you decide is good,” she said.

“What makes you so sure they’ll catch the killer, Mac?” I asked.

“It helps to think positive.” He walked over and gave Grace a peck on the cheek. “Hey, maybe we skip the takeout and cook chili together? I could stop at the market . . . You’re staying for dinner, right, Nora?”

No. I was meeting Ben for dinner tonight, and I desperately wanted him in my corner along with Grace and Mac. I was determined to own up to the sleepwalking. I’d tell him about the gun and the arrest warrant. Grace knew it all, and she believed in my innocence. Ben might, too. Grace said he shouldn’t be in my life if he didn’t.

“Thanks, but I’m having dinner with a friend.”

I felt at peace for a moment, until I looked out the window at the heavy, swirling snow. Ben might not be able to make it back.

“Unless the weather makes that impossible,” I said.

Mac stopped at the front door. “There you go again. Don’t be a neg head. Ben drives a Land Rover. He’ll make it.”

Frowning, I turned to Grace.

“You told him about Ben?”

She looked sheepish and stuffed a piece of brownie in her mouth. “Pillow talk.”

“I think it’s great,” Mac said. “I’m taking the Jeep. Back in an hour or so. If you think of anything else we need, let me know.” He went out, calling over his shoulder, “Remember, Nora. Positive.”

I wasn’t sure whether my thinking was positive or negative, but I decided to start eating a brownie, suspecting that the rental agent would come back on the line the moment I took a bite. It worked. I swallowed quickly.

“Okay, ma’am. Sorry to keep you waiting. I have—”

“Hello? Yes?”

Grace sat down on the arm of the chaise, eager to hear.

“Hello? Hello? Hello!” I slumped and stared at the phone. “Fuck.”