Gypped by Carol Higgins Clark Read Free Book Online Page A

windows and doors. Luckily there was no basement. By the back door in the kitchen she noticed the bowl with her car keys. She’d seen them earlier, when she’d been looking for Norman’s number. She’d been in such a hurry. Surely the valetbrought my car back up from the street. That’s what they usually do at these kind of parties. She peeked out the window but couldn’t tell whether her car was there. It was too dark.
    She opened the back door and stepped outside. The only sound was a light wind rustling the trees. Shocked, she realized that there was only one car in the driveway, Zelda’s.
    The valet didn’t bring my car back? That’s crazy. If they brought it back and someone stole it, that would be unbelievable. Why wouldn’t they take Zelda’s Mercedes? I know car thieves don’t go as much for the luxury vehicles, but come on!
    Should I go down the street and see if it’s there? she asked herself. If something happens to that rental, it’s going to be a real pain. Decisively, she went back to the kitchen, grabbed the keys, walked outside, and started down the path. When she reached the driveway, she slowed down. The outside lights were off and the pavement descended into darkness. Pitch darkness. There were no street lights.
    I can’t do this, she decided. Jack would be really upset it he knew I went wandering down a dark unfamiliar road at this time of night. If the car’s not there in the morning, it’s not there. It’s just a car. She turned, went back in the house, and double locked the door.
    Another troubling thought was swirling around her head. What made Zelda so sick? Something she ate? Regan went over to the pink refrigerator and opened it. All the leftovers were wrapped in plastic bags or aluminum foil. She shut the door. I know Zelda could have eaten something earlier today that she had a bad reaction to later, but her illness came on so fast.
    Upstairs she was glad to see that Zelda was still asleep. Regan sat back on the chair, pulled the blanket over her, and tried to get comfortable.
    Down the street, in the woods near her car, someone wasanxiously waiting for Regan to leave the party. He was hoping she wasn’t spending the night at the house. Why would she? She was staying in a luxury hotel in Beverly Hills.
    With each passing minute he grew more agitated.
    She should mind her own business, he thought. I’ll teach her a lesson.
    One way or the other, I’ll get it done.

Friday, October 5th

10

    W hen Regan opened her eyes, once again it took her a moment to realize where she was. The first clue was that she felt like a pretzel. Gray shadows giving the room a surreal atmosphere were the second. Oh yes, she thought. This ain’t the Beverly Hills Island Hotel. Regan checked her watch. It was 7:10. Jack was probably on his way downtown to the meeting.
    Regan dragged herself “out of chair,” wishing it was out of bed. The sight of a sleeping Zelda reassured her that she wasn’t in some sort of dream world. A few minutes later she located a bathroom downstairs that didn’t have shattered glass all over the floor. Looking in the mirror, she sighed. I need to get back to the hotel after Zelda wakes up.
    A new toothbrush that Zelda had given her the night before was in Regan’s hand. After freshening up as much as she could, Regan grabbed her coat off the couch in the living room, and her keys from the kitchen. Let’s hope the car is still there, she thought.
    Outside, the air was brisk. Regan, in her heels, carefully made her way down the steep driveway. She turned and started up the block, enjoying the sound of the chirping birds. What a beautiful time of day, she thought. Everything is so peaceful.
    Beyond the Scrumps estate, there were woods on either side of the street. Regan wondered why other houses hadn’t been built. When she reached the top of the road, she spotted her car at the end of the block. All by itself.
    “Yes!” she said aloud. “The day is starting out