A New Attitude by Charlotte Hughes

Author:Charlotte Hughes [Hughes, Charlotte]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: HQN Books
Published: 2014-11-14T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER THIRTEEN

MARILEE WAS PACING THE FLOOR when the telephone rang. She snatched it up, hoping it was news about Tom. Irby spoke from the other end.

“Marilee, that was a cruel thing to do to me,” he said. “If you were trying to get even with me, it worked.”

“Irby, what are you talking about?”

“The car isn’t gone, and you know it.”

“What?”

“It’s right where we left it.”

“That’s ridiculous. I saw for myself it was gone.”

“Well, obviously you went to the wrong spot.”

“I did not go to the wrong spot, Irby Denton. The road was dug up, and the grass had been flattened from the weight of the car. Not only that, my wig was there.” She paused. “Are you drinking again?”

“I’m completely sober. If you don’t believe me, come see the car for yourself. I’m standing here looking at it as we speak.”

“I’ll be there in fifteen minutes.”

When Marilee arrived, Irby was sitting in his truck smoking a cigarette. She knew he’d given up the habit years before, but under the circumstances she wasn’t surprised to find him puffing away. She was about ready to take up smoking as well.

Irby climbed out of the truck, and they walked toward the ditch. He looked at her. “Well?”

“Oh, my Lord. Is Tom’s body still inside?” When he nodded gravely, she continued, “Who would take a car with a dead person in it and then return it?”

He shook his head. “I don’t know. Frankly, I don’t know what to think anymore, but it’s time I put an end to it. I’m calling the police.”

“And telling them what?”

“That I’ve been out looking for Tom ever since his wife called. That I saw the skid marks and checked it out. Simple as that.” He looked weary. “Go home, Marilee. I’ll take care of it.”

She hesitated. “You’ll stay until the police arrive, right? Just in case somebody else decides to take the car?”

“I’ll stay.” He paused. “Uh, Marilee. Have you decided whether or not you’re going to come back to work?”

She tossed him an impatient look. “I’ll be there tomorrow morning. We can discuss my new benefits package at that time.”

JOSH WAS QUIET THE NEXT DAY when his dad drove him to the mental health center. He would have given anything to avoid this session with his mom. Not only did he not wish to discuss their so-called family issues, he didn’t want to talk, period. He had a lot on his mind, and he knew his mom would sense something was wrong. She had a way about her.

Grady pulled in front of the mental health building and parked. “Okay, sport, we’re here.”

“I don’t want to go in,” Josh said.

Grady sighed. “We’ve been through this before.” When Josh didn’t respond, he went on. “Look, Josh, how many times have you told me you want to be treated like a man instead of a kid?” he asked. “Part of growing up is accepting responsibility. You have no choice in this matter, a judge has ordered it.”

Josh grabbed the door handle and yanked it.

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