Approaching Menace by June Shaw Read Free Book Online

I’m always here for you.”
    “That’s one thing I can count on.”
    He turned the key and the motor stopped. “Now you do it.”
    “No, don’t turn it off.”
    “Josie, you have to be able to start this car. It’s been for you, and it doesn’t have any major problem.” He got out and guided her inside with his outstretched hand. “Remember, just a light touch.”
    She sat and gripped the steering wheel.
    He pointed to her feet. “Make sure to push the pedals all the way to the floor.”
    She voiced a concern she’d had lately. “It’s been giving me these problems. Do you think I’ll need another car soon?”
    “Absolutely not. This one will work for a long time.”
    “Of course you’d say that. You chose it and sold it to me.”
    “A wise selection. Especially when, inside that parking lot, you also found me.” He indicated the floor shift. “Take it out of neutral and try with the clutch.”
    She slid her hips to the edge of her seat to stretch her legs until her left foot felt the clutch engaging against the floorboard. She laid her right foot flat against the accelerator. Sucking in a breath, she turned the key.
    From behind, the motor started.
    “Great.” Andrew leaned in, his eyes shining. “I want to be sure you won’t get stranded by flooding out this delicate machine again.” Mirth left his voice. “Especially with the guy that’s out there.”
    “I tried not to flood it this morning. Or this evening. But you know how it’s been lately.”
    “Yes, so I want you to try it again. Come out and let it cool off. This won’t take long.” The determined set of his jaw made her turn off the engine. Josie checked her watch. She slid out and stood beside him.
    He took her hand. “I know you’re in a hurry, but you need to be careful. Did you know that guy killed another woman?”
    “Andrew, I saw her.” She recalled the circumstances. The wide gray eyes and the apples. “We almost met. She was related to one of my customers.” Josie empathized with Mrs. Antonelli and her sadness. She remembered Cora in her office, rolling her eyes.
    Recalling something else, Josie grabbed her purse from the car seat. She took out a check. “Cora Ripley paid me. Would you deposit this tomorrow?”
    “Oh, your only interest in me. Everyone goes after bank tellers.” He feigned injured pride and took her endorsed check. “At least you can trust me to do this now. And I’m grateful.”
    “I talked with Sylvie this afternoon,” Josie said, ignoring the comments, “and do you know what she did today?”
    “No telling.”
    “She went shopping for groceries.”
    “Your mother? Shopped for food?”
    “Sometimes she can be almost motherly and practical.” Josie furrowed her brow. “We were out of everything. But guess what she bought?” She didn’t wait for his guess. “Croissants. And a new shade of violet eye shadow.”
    He laughed. “I could have guessed that.”
    “No bread, no milk. Not even toilet paper.”
    “No wonder you’re so upset.” He pulled Josie against him.
    The man driving the dark blue sedan that circled the block slowed to watch them. Her boyfriend held her near his body. The man clenched his teeth.
    That should be him—not her boyfriend.
    He saw himself in the young man’s place, tugging Josie to him, harder yet even harder. And she would be.
    Yes, worried, like right now. Even with her male friend around, she could be counted on to look concerned about something. She tried to be brave but was the absolute best at fearing. Her little brother’s sickness kept that look of apprehension about her eyes. And their Florida coastline would bring in more rain and thunderstorms and worse. Then Josie’s eyes would spread wide. Her body would grow rigid. From her mouth would erupt that most perfect scream.
    When she revealed all her fears to him, that’s when he would take her. He was the supreme cause and reliever of women’s most intense moments.
    And she displayed the