Free Numbers Never Lie (Crimson Romance) by Shelley K. Wall Page B

attempt at humor. “I’ll see you Thursday.” She left.
    He wanted the data now before anything else went wrong, but it would wait. He watched her drive away and turned to walk toward his apartment. He didn’t want to hear Nate or the others ranting about the kiss right now, so he didn’t bother to check in, but he appreciated the car trailing after her from a distance. After what she told him and what he knew happened to Bob, if she wasn’t part of it, then danger trailed her. From everything he’d seen so far, she wasn’t involved.

Chapter Six
    The jacket draped over the back of the chair unleashed a gentle smile from Sophie as she brushed her fingers across it. Yes, it wasn’t the most flattering color or style — she preferred bold and classy, whereas this jacket was more rumpled and comfortable. However, the sentiment behind it embodied her transformation over the past couple of years since her mother passed.
    She reminisced about the bright red coat worn throughout her mother’s illness. It had been unseasonably cold in Chicago and that jacket became a staple of every visit to the hospital as the cancer progressed. At the time, she considered it not just utilitarian, but a symbol of bravery and resiliency. Afterward, it became painful to look at. She remembered the discussion with Callie vividly a few months post-funeral. A new staff member, Callie and Sophie had yet to find a comfort with each other. Sophie needed to talk though, and Callie just happened to be present at that moment.
    “I can’t even open my closet without seeing the red coat I wore to the hospital every day. It’s a constant reminder of how different she became from the strong, dynamic woman that raised me. I doubt I’ll ever wear that beautiful coat again.”
    “Then we need to do a wardrobe intervention!” Callie exclaimed as they stood in the hallway at work. “I’ll be at your house tonight at seven and we’ll take care of that coat. It’s time for you to get a new start.” She wasn’t referring to the coat but that was a good beginning.
    Callie showed up at her house that night right on time. They took the red coat to the shelter and donated it, then went on a shopping trip for a replacement. The goal was to get something so completely different that it would be the beginning of Sophie’s new start … her solo start. Unfortunately, by the time they arrived at the stores, closing time loomed less than an hour away and the choices were slim. Thus, after a short while searching for something in the few remaining open shops, Sophie gave up … but not Callie.
    When Callie had something set in her mind, she didn’t stop until she achieved the goal. That’s what Sophie liked about her. And admittedly, they were very similar in most situations. As Sophie sat in the food court at the mall, sipping a tea, Callie presented her with a bag from one of the shops. Inside rested the brownish tan coat that eventually became Sophie’s staple. They celebrated by going out for coffee and dessert. The coat wasn’t pretty. It wasn’t flattering, and definitely the most god-awful color Sophie had ever seen. But, for some reason, it delivered a perfect transition from the bold red garment. Most importantly, Callie gave her a chance to go out and enjoy herself; to stop thinking about the fact that her only living relative would no longer be a part of her life. They made a pact that they would take a night out at least every other week just to keep each other sane. Sophie was never so thankful to find such a friend. It amazed her that they had become so close in such a short time.
    Trevor’s thoughtfulness in returning the jacket was commendable. The sentiment around the jacket far outweighed the appearance. It was symbolic, now, and Sophie admitted herself a sucker for symbolic gestures.
    Of course, he didn’t know what the jacket represented, but still he wanted to return it, and she appreciated the gesture. Her hand went to her mouth,