Page 25 of The Missing Couple

“Thank you.” Charly smiled. “I have those at home.”

Billie gave the man a nod. When he’d gone, he turned to Charly. “As soon as the nurse comes back with your release papers, we can go.”

Charly eased off the table but remained standing close so she could lean against it. “I should call a towing company.” She groaned. “I’ll need a rental.”

“The deputy who helped me move your groceries said he’d call one.”

“Good.” She blew out a breath. “I guess that only leaves filing my insurance claim.”

Her tone warned she was not looking forward to that part. No one ever did. “We missed lunch. Maybe we should stop by JJ’s again. Grab some burgers and fries.”

“Sure.”

She didn’t sound overly enthusiastic but that was understandable. Her vehicle was wrecked. She had come close to serious injury herself. Not a good morning.

Billie was just glad she was okay. He thought of his sister and Martin. He sure hoped they were okay, too.

Bradly Retreat

Deep Woods Trail, 2:15 p.m.

CHARLY PAUSED AT her kitchen doorway and surveyed the numerous bags. “This is going to take some time.”

“Tell me what to do,” Billie offered as he joined her. “I can help.”

“There’s a pantry over there.” She pointed to another smaller doorway. “You can just put things wherever they fit on the shelves. I can organize later. I usually stack the cases of water in there as well.”

“On it.” He headed across the room.

“I’ll separate out the stuff I need to take to the cabins and start on the fruit baskets.”

Billie grabbed the first case of water. “You want me to put one of these in Lola? I assume you’re stocking water at the cabins, too.”

“Yes. Thanks.”

He stacked three cases in the pantry and exited the back door with the other. Lola sat only a few yards from the back deck steps. He dropped the case of water into the bed of the UTV and turned to head back inside.

A white pickup coming up the drive from the main road gave him pause. Maybe one of the deputies but not an official vehicle. He waited until the vehicle grew closer then he spotted the Vince’s Equipment Rental signage on the door. The pickup parked next to his SUV. A man, late thirties, tall, dark hair, headed toward the front porch.

Billie returned to the kitchen through the back door.

“You have company,” he said about the same time a knock sounded at the front door.

Charly stopped sorting fruit. “Anyone you recognize?”

Billie shook his head. “Whoever he is, he’s driving a white pickup. Tall guy with dark hair. Vince’s Equipment Rental is on the door.”

Charly nodded. “Vince Cox.” She headed for the front door. “He probably heard about the accident. Word travels fast around here.”

As soon as she opened the door, Vince stepped inside and gave her a hug. “What the heck, Charly?” He drew back. “I just heard about your accident. You okay?”

She nodded. “Sure, I’m fine. Come on in.” She moved away from the door; the man who clearly had a thing for her followed.

Billie pushed away from the kitchen door and crossed the room. “Billie Jagger.” He extended his hand. “Thanks again for allowing us to have a look at your security camera footage.”

Vince gave Billie’s hand a firm, quick shake. “Happy to help any way I can. It’s a shame these things happen.”

“It is,” Billie agreed.