All But Safe by N.L. Hinkens

Author:N.L. Hinkens [Hinkens, N.L.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781947890435
Published: 2023-11-15T16:00:00+00:00

29

LEXI

I clock out of work at 8:00 P.M. and walk out to the parking lot with Stella, my coworker. Despite the hour-long break I had for dinner, my feet are aching after a double shift, but at least I can sleep in tomorrow. I also made several big sales which will land me a nice commission. I’m in good spirits, laughing and joking, when Stella comes to an abrupt halt and holds out an arm in front of me.

“What are you doing?” I laugh, trying to push her aside.

“Your car,” she says in a leaden whisper. “It’s …”

She doesn’t need to say another word. I’ve already spotted it in the mottled shadows at the far end of the employee parking section, illuminated by an overhead security light. It looks like it’s bleeding from every orifice, red paint pooling onto the asphalt beneath. I walk toward it with an air of trepidation, clapping a hand to my mouth when I read the ghoulish chalk message on the windscreen: next time it’s a knife to your heart.

I lean against Stella and heave a shaky breath.

“Lexi,” she says hesitantly. “You don’t think … Jess did this, do you?”

My coworkers know what’s been going on—at least, they know some version of the truth. I haven’t told them that Cash’s mother might be involved, too. I didn’t want to come across as the stereotypical bitter daughter-in-law. Better they hear that directly from Cash.

Stella’s acrylic grip digs into my arm. “You need to call the police,” she mutters, casting a furtive glance around the parking lot.

I nod numbly, and fish out my phone. I manage to get ahold of Price who promises to be there within thirty minutes. I try Cash’s number next, but he doesn’t pick up. Fighting a mounting sense of irritation, I leave him a couple of messages, then send him a text. “I don’t understand why he’s not picking up,” I say. “He finished work hours ago. He must have fallen asleep on the couch.”

“I can give you a ride home,” Stella offers.

“Don’t you have to get back to your kids?”

“They’re fine,” she assures me. “My husband’s with them.”

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