Page 10

A few weeks ago, I had Drew watch Theo while I was on a job. Drew, being Drew, brought Carmen’s daughter along. They spent the morning with Theo.

Fuck.

Kids talk. Especially this one.

I look over at him. “If we move in there, you stay away from the neighbors.”

His face falls. “Why?”

“Because the owner said they’re trouble.”

“What kind of trouble?”

“Just trouble, alright,” I say. “No going over. No chatting. No telling anyone our business.”

“What business?”

“Exactly.”

There. Solved.

I’ll keep him away from Carmen. I’ll be in and out fast—sleep with her, and be gone before anyone has a chance to connect the dots.

I mean…how hard can it be?

She’s probably lonely. She’s pissed at her husband. She noticed me at the bar, whether she wants to admit it or not.

I fire up the car.

The engine catches on the second try, then settles into that deep, familiar rumble. Out of habit, my left hand twitches toward the wheel.

It doesn’t belong there anymore.

My fingers won’t close properly. They’re stiff and clumsy, like they belong to someone else. I can force them around the wheel if I concentrate, but the strength cuts out without warning. The pain’s worse. Sharp if I twist wrong. Hot and grinding if I keep the arm up too long.

And this car has never been gentle.

She’s a sixty-year-old Mustang with heavy steering, a temperamental clutch, and no interest in making my life easier. I’ve owned her for twenty-two years, and she’s made me work for every mile.

Lately, every turn costs me.

I’ve thought about trading her in for something lighter. Something sensible. Something with power steering and no personality.

But since that dickhead put two bullets in me she’s the only thing in my life that hasn’t let me down.

She starts when I turn the key, she moves when I tell her to move and she complains, sure, but she doesn’t lie about what she is.

I can respect that.

And I don’t throw away what still works.

So I put my right hand on the wheel, ignore the throb in my shoulder, and pull away from the curb.

4

LEVI

The next morning I drop Theo at school. The principal is already lying in wait out front. The moment she spots the Mustang, her eyes lock onto me and she starts power-walking over.