Marty said he and Marlene had been together six months ago. Would Marla want to date a mechanic while she was still seeing Ryne? If Ryne was anything like Kane for looks, then Marty would come in a poor second and really didn’t seem Marla’s type. That meant that Marla must have been trying to get something from Marty, but what? And what was Marla doing out at night getting all muddy?
Elise rubbed her temple, trying to figure this out. Someone had moved the car and Marty claimed he wasn’t aware of it. The car smelled like the perfume that Marla used, and there was dirt that could have come from Marla’s shoes. There was another unidentified scent in the car, and Elise made a stab in the dark and decided it could be Ryne’s even though she didn’t know him. After all, she’d met most of the pack so far, his was one of the few remaining unknown scents. Were Marla and Ryne still together? But what about the fight? She’d treated Marla’s injuries; surely the woman wouldn’t fall back in with someone who had abused her?
As the light changed to green, Elise decided she’d have to tell Kane about her suspicions. She’d forgotten to mention seeing this car yesterday, but now with possible evidence that Ryne and Marla had used it last night, he had to know. If Ryne was sneaking around town in this car, then they could lie in wait and capture him when he came for the vehicle next time he felt the need of a ride. And Marla? Well, she’d broach that subject carefully. Kane still had a bit of a blind spot when it came to the woman.
*****
Elise made it to work with a few minutes to spare. It was another busy day, so there wasn’t much down time, but she did notice Mr. Mancini staring speculatively at her. She smiled at him and he nodded in acknowledgment, but there was no return smile. Surely he wasn’t still upset about Bryan? When she’d been hired there’d been nothing said about not meeting friends on the premises and it had been after her official work hours. Chewing her lip, she decided to let it pass for today. If he still seemed upset with her tomorrow, she’d ask him what the problem was.
With her shift finished at one o’clock and her car not ready until two, Elise decided to wander the mall for a while to fill in time. Halloween was over and Christmas decorations were starting to appear. She shook her head in amazement at how the stores seemed to push the season more and more each year. Still and all, the displays were lovely.
As she paused in front of a clothing store, she recalled the green sweater she’d seen there a few weeks ago. Maybe with her next pay check she’d treat herself. There was a substantial balance in an account that Kane had set up for her, but she was still reluctant to use it. Perhaps once they’d been together longer, it wouldn’t seem so strange to accept money from him.
Entering the store, she scanned the racks, but couldn’t find the sweater anywhere. Humph! Wasn’t that always the way? When you finally had money, the item you wanted was gone. A sales lady approached, asking if Elise wanted any help and she inquired about the green top, just in case there was one in the back. After a few moments, the woman appeared and regretfully explained that there was one in the back, but it was on hold. Making a mental note to return in a few days, in case the sweater made its way back onto the shelves, she turned and began to wander down the mall again.
Two familiar faces could be seen a short distance away and Elise grinned in anticipation. Zoe and Phoebe were headed towards her. Maybe they could stop somewhere together and have a coffee. Waving, she made her way over to where they were. “Hi! Fancy meeting you here.”
The two women looked at her coldly and didn’t reply.
Elise felt her smile falter. Something was wrong, but what? She tried again, glancing at the bags in their hands. “So, have you bought anything interesting?”
Zoe narrowed her eyes and spoke from between clenched teeth. “I am so mad right now, I could smack you.”
Shocked, Elise stared at her supposed friend for a moment before gathering her wits about her. “Smack me? Why? What did I do?”
“Don’t try and act so innocent. We know all about it. Rose told us.” Phoebe glared and crossed her arms.
“Rose?”
“Yes, Rose. She saw the whole thing and told me this morning. You’re just lucky she hasn’t told Kane yet!” Zoe’s voice was getting louder and they were starting to attract attention.
“What did Rose see? What’s she going to tell Kane?” Elise was starting to feel panicky. She wasn’t sure what the problem was, but it sounded like it would be something that would upset Kane, and after last night, she didn’t want anything to mar their budding relationship.