My Wolf’s Bane(30)

I’m fine. Checking email now.

I sprinted up the stairs, raced to my laptop and rapidly scanned my inbox.

Hi Sweetie,

We love Arizona. In fact, we’ve decided to stay a few extra days past the completion of your father’s job. We’d like to see the Grand Canyon and there’s an art festival coming up. We plan to come home before going to Montana, but we’ll be in touch with the return flight details.

We’re very sorry to miss your birthday, but to make up for it, we’ve decided to buy you that car you keep nagging us for. Isn’t that something?

Shocking, actually. But the last thing I’d do was question it and risk them doing a take-back. I eagerly read on.

However, we do have some stipulations.

Of course they would.

We’d like you to hang onto the money you’ve been saving for a car until we can get together and agree on its use. In other words, don’t blow it on a shopping spree.

The second condition is that you not buy a brand new car due to how much it depreciates once you’ve driven it off the lot.

Mom, always practical.

We don’t care what kind of car you buy

Score!

so long as it gets decent gas mileage, has enough power to get you out of a tight jam when necessary and has low miles.

I could handle that.

Our last condition is that the car must be thoroughly inspected by someone at the auto shop. We’d prefer Timothy, but we trust him to delegate it to someone competent.

Oh, almost forgot. We wired fifteen thousand dollars into your account. Use it to pay for the mechanic, the car and whatever else car-related that pops up.

Fifteen grand? Woo-freakin’-hoo.

We trust you to make good choices. Happy shopping. And happy birthday. We love you.

Love, Mom and Dad

Hallelujah! A new car! Who knew blackmail could be so rewarding?

I didn’t need to be told twice. I speedily typed in a message full of thanks and telling them I was off to see Timothy. Scooping up my purse, I flew out the door. Memories of my rotten day faded and I could barely contain my excitement as I drove the three miles to the auto shop.

After arriving at the garage, I waited until Timothy finished with a customer, then approached the counter.

“Hi, Autumn. Problem with your car?”

“Not exactly.” I explained the situation, the words spewing from my mouth.

“No problem,” Timothy said. “When you find the car you want, give me a fifteen minute warning and drive it over.”

“I have to bring it here?” I squeaked. “And if it doesn’t pass your inspection, I have to return it and start all over with a different car?”

“That’s the way it’s done.” Tim seemed like he felt sorry for me, but not enough to give in. “I have too much work to do here at the shop.”

“It’s just that I don’t know the first thing about cars. I could bring you twenty before finding a keeper. I’d be happy to pay one of your employees to go with me.” There would still be plenty in the budget for a great car.

“I’m sorry, Autumn.” He shook his head. “I wish I could help you.”

Oh, no. This couldn’t be happening. My parents’ behavior was totally out of character and I couldn’t blow my chance before they snapped out of it. I mean, hello? Wiring fifteen grand when a week ago they could barely leave me alone for an hour? Who knew how long the aliens would control them?

My eyes teared. “But I know zilch about cars.”

“You know what?” Timothy rubbed his chin. “I have a part-time kid I can spare for a couple days or so. Just for you.”

That was when I felt it. His presence. Oh, God, please no. As if in slow motion, I turned to see Zack getting out of his Jeep. He’d changed into a navy blue shirt that matched Timothy’s.

Could it be that the future of my car was now in Zack’s hands?

He approached, eyes narrowed at me.

“Autumn, this is Zack. Zack, you’re going to help this nice, young lady find a car her parents would approve of. You’re in a hurry, right, Autumn?”

I nodded.

“We can do without you for a few days while you take care of her. Work out the schedule with Autumn.” He switched to me again. “You guys are good customers, so I’ll only charge you twenty bucks an hour.”

Totally doable. “Great.”

“Did you want to start today?” Timothy asked, glancing at the clock on the wall. “You’ve still got time before car dealers close.”

Could I handle another dose of Zack so soon after the Gina incident? The answer was clear. If it meant getting my car even one day sooner, yes. “If he’s up for it.”

Zack groaned, but too low for Timothy to hear. “Isn’t there anyone else who can do this?”