The question was who? And the question underneath that was why? On Saturday, Emma wanted to go to the farmers market and Cole took her because Emma at the farmers market was one of the genuinely pleasant things in his life. She had opinions about produce that were both strong and inexplicable. And watching her interrogate a vendor about tomato varieties with complete seriousness was something he'd never get tired of.
They came back with heirloom tomatoes and some kind of herb Emma had selected on instinct and a bunch of flowers she'd bought with her own $3 because she thought they would look good on the kitchen table. Cole was putting the flowers in a glass of water when his phone rang with an unknown Arizona number. He almost didn't answer it. He answered it. Cole Bennett?
A woman's voice, direct and clear. Who is this? Victoria Hale. I got your number from the auction house registration. I'm calling because I want to have a conversation about lot 47.
Cole looked at Emma, who was arranging the flowers with the concentration she usually reserved for things that mattered. How did you know to bid on that car? He asked. A pause. Not long.
Victoria Hale didn't seem like someone who left long pauses, but real enough. I'll tell you that, she said, if you'll tell me what you found under the splitter. Cole was quiet for a moment. Tucson, he said. Come to Tucson.
I'll show you. Another pause. Tomorrow, she said. Send me the address. She hung up.
Emma looked up from the flowers. Who was that? The woman from the auction. The one who called you dumb? She didn't exactly is She said it was the bumest purchase she'd ever seen.
Cole conceded this. Yeah. Her. Is she coming here? Tomorrow.