Page 30 of Fire and Bones

“The ME can’t find a hotel for me.”

“Has she called—”

“She claims to have tried everywhere.” Way too brusque.

“Well, this is so simple.” Without hesitation. “You are dear Katy’s mother. You must stay at my house.”

My face moved into an expression. Weary, I was unsure what it was trying to convey. Hoped it was gratitude. At least not repulsion.

“I can’t do that,” I said.

“Why not?” Doyle spread her hands, the empty one palm up. “I have an enormous home, and it’s only me rattling around in there. I’d love the company.”

“It’s just—”

“I’m serious. I have a boyfriend who stays over now and then, but that’s not a problem.”

I drew a reusable water bottle from my kit and took a long swig. Not thirsty but wanting time to consider my options.

There were only two.

I could drive into the boonies searching for some fleabag motel that might have me. I could crash with Thacker.

Or I could sleep in my car.

I guess that made three.

“Could you give me a moment?” I punched auto-dial as I moved toward the door.

Katy answered on the third ring.

“What’s the mood, dude?”

“Not real perky.” I explained my lack of a bed.

“How could the dimwit let that happen?”

I ignored that.

“Here’s my question. Ivy Doyle has offered to put me up. What do you think? For just one night?”

“I think, hell yeah.”

“She claims to have extra bedrooms.”

Katy nose-blew one of her irony snorts. “Do you know who Ivy is?”

“You said she’s a friend from your army days.”

“Let me rephrase. Do you know who Ivy’s family is? Think about it. Doyle? Virginia?”

“I didn’t know she was from Virginia.”

“You do now.”

“Katy, I’ve spent all afternoon peeling a dead lady off a flagstone floor.”

“Ew. Why?”