Chapter 2 — The Drive

At exactly nine, we left the house. The South Florida sun glared off rows of tiled rooftops, and the humid air already promised another sweltering day.

I sat behind the wheel. Rita claimed the front passenger seat, and Gordon stretched out in the back as though I were his personal chauffeur.

As traffic thickened, the ache beneath my ribs sharpened into a cramp. I tightened both hands on the wheel and focused on keeping my breathing steady.

Rita noticed nothing. She took out her phone, called her friend Brenda, and put the call on speaker.

“Yes, Brenda, we’re on our way,” she announced cheerfully. “Jocelyn’s taking me to the private sale.” Brenda replied, too quietly for me to make out. Rita laughed.

“I really hope that limited-edition handbag is still there. Maybe I’ll grab the matching wallet too. You know my daughter-in-law — she insisted on treating me.”