Page 78 of Necessary Evil

“I needed to get away. Spend some time walking the boardwalk and trying my luck at the slots.”

“When did you decide to do this?”

“It was a spur-of-the-moment thing.”

“Does Jenny know?”

“No, not yet. I’m going to call her next. I was hoping to win big so I could buy her something nice.”

“I told you, the house always wins,” Lucy said. “Wait—how did you get there?”

“I didn’t return your rental car.”

“Bobby! I’m going to get penalized on the miles!” She slammed her hand on her steering wheel.

“I’ll pay you back. Besides, I’m going to be a millionaire once I get over to the blackjack tables.”

Her eyes rolled so hard she swore she saw her brains for a moment. “You asshole! I was counting on you.”

“It’s not a big deal, sis. It’s just for a few more days. I promise.”

She shook her head. It was her own damned fault for trusting him. He did shit like this all the time. Stifling an aggravated sigh, she said, “Be careful with it.” Oh, my aching credit card.

“See you in a few days.”

“Not if I see you first,” Lucy said, and hung up. It was an old joke between them. She hoped he’d stick to booze and that he’d be home before the weekend. But she couldn’t stop the niggling concern. Trouble seemed to follow him.