call it that. We are being sensible. We’ve been spending so much time together, it just made sense.”
I pressed my lips together, trying not to laugh. I glanced at Herman. “I guess the kids are the last to know.”
He shrugged, grinning. “I knew this morning when Pops called to borrow my truck and my muscles. So, I guess you’re the last to know.”
Toby laughed, but when I looked at him, he turned it into a cough. “Well, if everything’s all right here, I’ll go back to Josh’s and finish the break-in report. Weird thing is, nothing seems to have been taken. But the back door was clearly kicked in.”
I sent a quick glance to Greg. In the back alley, it was hard to see what door led to what shop. Had they just mistaken Josh’s place right next door to mine?
He put a hand on my shoulder. “Look, I’m sure it’s a coincidence.”
“Maybe, but maybe that’s why I didn’t get hit last night. They damaged the wrong door.”
Toby paused on his way out. “Man, I’m not telling Josh that. He’d be mad at you.”
“I know. He’d probably think I needed to pay for his damage because it was my fault he got hit.” Things were crap right now. With a capital C.
My aunt stepped closer to Harrold. “Jill, maybe we should talk about what’s been going on. I think you’ve kept me out of the loop long enough.”
“Well, get your moving done and come on over. I’ll be home the rest of the day and after one tomorrow. Deek and I are splitting the Sunday shifts.”
Toby looked sheepish. “I could come in. I have a few hours before I have to go back on nights.”
“And when are you going to sleep? We’re fine, although Jackie and I need to talk about hiring someone else.” I made waving motions with my hand. “Go take care of Josh. You know how worked up he can get. You’re on the schedule for Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday next week. Let me know if you can’t make it.”
As he walked out, Greg kissed the top of my head. “Thanks for making him feel better. He’s getting closer to full time with me, but I’m sure he’ll want to keep a few shifts for his house fund.”
“And another one bites the dust.” I looked over at Herman. “You’re not looking for part-time work, are you?”
He laughed. “I have a full-time job that actually pays enough to live on. Sorry, Jill, but I’ll ask around.”
“I might know someone.” My aunt looked thoughtful. “I hadn’t thought of hiring someone now, especially with Nick coming home soon.”
“I’m not sure Nick is going to want to work. According to Sadie, he’s already interviewing for full-time spots in the city. The kid’s a powerhouse. And she hinted that he was taking a trip to Europe this summer too.” I rolled my shoulders. “The life of a small business in a small town. We’re always hiring.”
Harrold shook his head. “I just cut my hours. I haven’t had anyone work with me except for Herman, here, for years.”
“And you barely make enough to pay the building costs.” Aunt Jackie looked around the showroom. “I was going to wait until we were married, but it might be time to think about either expanding or closing.”
Harrold looked down at her, shocked. “Close the shop? Then what would I do with my time?”
“And that’s our clue to leave. Let me know if you all are planning to come to dinner over at Jill’s tomorrow. I’ll make sure I set up my day so I can make it.” Greg led me to the front, then paused at the edge of the alley. “So, you saw the black truck and Alice? Anything or anyone else?”
“No, I’m sure it was the truck because I checked the license plate. And we’d just seen Alice at Lille’s.” I didn’t remember seeing a driver, but I hadn’t taken a lot of time to stare. “I should have gotten closer.”
“You did exactly what you needed to do. Got somewhere safe and called me. Actually, I’m kind of proud of you. I can’t believe you finally listened and stayed away from danger.” He pointed to his car on the other side of the street. “I’m parked there.”
“And?” I didn’t understand his point.
He put his hand on the small of my back. “I’m dropping you off at home. You’re not walking anywhere until I find this truck and its driver. You need to stay safe.”
“I’m