Abrupt Changes: A Second Chance Romance (O-Town Book 3) by Karen Renee (comprehension books .TXT) 📕

figure she can use the company. Especially after what happened to your sister.”

“You’re right,” I whispered. “Thank you.”

He bumped his bicep into mine. “You’re welcome.”

That touch sent a wave of warmth through me and I closed my eyes, trying to ignore it.

Mom shuffled into the kitchen. “You finally bring me some tofu?”

I stared at her. “You’ve never even had tofu!”

She winked. “That don’t matter. As much as he accuses me of being a tree-hugging liberal, I figure he should put his money where his mouth is and feed me what my people eat.”

“You are pretty liberal, Mom.”

She settled at her spot at the table. “Gonna be like that is it? You’re going to team up with him? I should have known.”

Clint fixed a plate and put it in front of Mom. “Next week, it’s on, Penny. Tofu, sprouts, and coconut water.”

Mom grimaced. “You can keep the coconut shit.”

“Now that sounds more like you, Mom.”

WHEN HER SOAP OPERA ended, Mom clicked off the television and set the remote down purposefully enough to get my attention away from my laptop.

“You all right?” I asked.

She grinned, but it was a little lopsided. “Hunky-dory, dear. Are you?”

“I am. Is there something you want to talk about?”

She sighed. “Hell if New York hasn’t rubbed off on you. Can’t slowly lead into anything.”

I shook my head. “Be my guest, take your time. I just don’t see the point in beating around the bush if there’s something you want to discuss.”

“Lunch was nice, right?”

‘How about you disabuse her of that idea?’ Clint’s words from Sunday came back to me, and I knew it was go time.

“It was Mom, but it was just lunch.”

Her chin dipped into her neck. “Did I say anything about it being more? I did not.”

I tilted my head. “Funny thing is you told your hair-stylist you were hoping he and I would get back together.”

Her mouth dropped open and I could see her debate if she could deny it or not. She looked away and sighed. “I guess what they say is true. Loose lips sink ships. See if I tell Joyce anything again.”

“Mom, that isn’t the point.”

She stared at me. “You’re right, but it wouldn’t hurt to let me have some hope for something good and decent to come out of Wynnie’s senseless death!”

That took the words right out of my mouth, and I let it go.

I noticed the time and set my laptop aside. “When Tanya and her kiddos get here, I’m going to run to Target, Mom.”

“You just went to the store this morning.”

I smiled. “I know, but I need to hit Target for things I forgot to get at the grocery store. And, I thought I’d look for some shorts since I don’t know when I’m headed back. Do you need anything while I’m there?”

Mom tried to hide it, but I saw her grin. “No, I think I’m all set, dear.”

Clint

FOR THE PAST NINE MONTHS, I had lightened my workload on Wednesdays. I had been forced to call in several markers with the other investigators, but it was well worth it to see Penny improve week-in and week-out.

When I joined Brock in his Civic at the strip mall, he looked borderline comatose.

“Tons of action, eh, Sullivan?” I asked, closing the door.

He gave me his side-eye. “Yeah.”

I scanned the parking lot. Both of their vehicles were parked, which meant both of them were working.

Brock sighed which for some reason made me smile.

“You ever a smoker?” I asked.

He groaned. “Tried that shit once in the Navy. Didn’t last. Why?”

I sighed. “Just thinking, if they’re working and we know he’s smoking even though the wife thinks he’s quit... maybe they’re hanging out in the back?”

Brock looked at me. “But we wouldn’t catch them in the act back there.”

I nodded. “Right, but multiple shots of them tongue-wrestling works better than just the one we have.”

Brock was dressed for business, since he was on his probationary term, but it didn’t help me for what I had in mind. Then I realized what I had in mind wouldn’t really work.

“How about you drive through the parking lot over to the grocery store?”

“Seriously?”

“Yeah. For one thing, you’ve been sitting here, how long? Hours, right?”

He nodded.

“Drive over there, but you’re gonna circle back so we can get a good view of the backside to the strip mall.”

“Roger that,” he muttered.

After two hours watching the backside of the strip mall, we still had nothing to go on. Deanne had emailed me the other woman’s name based on her license plate, Skylar Ibanez. She went out back to smoke, but our man never made it out to chat with her or anything.

My cell rang with Penny’s ring tone. Brock gave me a look.

“Sorry, I have to take this.”

“What’s up, Penny?”

“Tell her I said ‘hello,’” Brock muttered.

Her breathing sounded labored. “Clint. Raegan’s not home.”

A weight hit my chest, but I fought letting it take hold.

“All right, Penny. How long has she been gone?”

“Well, Tanya’s been here with her boys since just after two, and she’s got to get going. Raegan didn’t say she’d be out very long. She was just going to Target.”

I inhaled deeply. “Okay, Penny. It’s nearly rush hour, and she probably had to hit the interstate to get home. Did you try calling her cell?”

“Yes. Tanya tried on her phone too. I don’t like this, Clint.”

I ran my hand down my stubble, then pulled the phone from my ear before I spoke to Brock. “Call Otero, see if someone else can join you. Doubt there’s anything here to see today, but I gotta run. Let Paul know you’re alone.”

Brock lifted his chin, and I put the phone back to my ear as I angled out of the Civic.

“Listen, Penny, I’ll be there in fifteen minutes. I’m sure by the time I get there, Raegan will be home, and it’ll be fine. If Tanya has to get back to her place to start dinner or whatever, tell her you’re okay.”

I heard Penny relay my