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into them. Their RV had a big dent because of her. Didn't they see that? "I'll be fine. You'll be hearing from me again. I'll send you a check for a new bumper when I get the money. All I need is your address."
    Pearl waved her off, and then reached out with both arms to give her a hug. "Now, take care of yourself. Godspeed, my child."
    Claire stiffened in Pearl's embrace. She pulled back. "You'd better hurry. That baby isn't going to wait for you."
    Harry patted Claire's shoulder. "Nice to meet you, young lady."
    Claire stepped out of the RV. She stood next to her car as Harry started the engine. As they drove off, Pearl's hand fluttered out the window until the RV was out of sight.
    Claire turned toward the Anderson's campsite. The lights were out in their motor home. If she knew where Samantha slept, she could tap on the closest window, but she didn't feel right about waking the whole family. She scanned the darkened campground. Only one campfire glowed in the distance. Claire felt hollow and alone in the dark of the night, the sound of crickets filling the void. She needed to formulate a plan.

    Claire sat in the front seat of her Volkswagen gripping the steering wheel with both hands. How she wished she could start her car and drive up the coast. She glanced in the backseat at her pillow and blankets. She could sleep in her car, but would she get an ounce of rest?
    Instead, she dug through her wallet. There had to be one credit card that wasn't maxed out. Her sister had used her credit cards on occasion for her shoe fetish and had sometimes forgotten to return them. Ah. Her Visa. Maybe she could get to Capitola tonight after all. Claire grabbed her cell phone and punched 0 for the operator. She wrote down the number for a towing service, called the number, and huddled under her blanket to wait.
    Why hadn't she thought of leaving earlier? If she had realized how easy it was to call a tow truck, she might have. Claire knew the real reason. Pearl, Harry, and the Andersons. Claire wouldn't have traded this night for anything.
    A tow truck arrived within a couple of hours, and in short order the driver hooked up her car. Any other campground and she'd be stuck for the night, but Plaskett Creek didn't have a gate—cars were free to come and go when they pleased.
    She glanced over at the Andersons' RV. She hated to leave without saying goodbye to Samantha, but maybe it was better this way.
    "Are you ready, ma'am?" The tow truck driver called over his shoulder. His voice was low and deep, surprising for a small man.
    "Yes." Claire stole one more glance, and then hopped into the truck.
    The closest auto body repair shop was in Monterey, an hour north. Claire yawned and fought to stay awake as they drove the winding highway. She scooted down in the passenger's seat, and laid her head against the headrest . . .
    "Ma'am?"
    Claire felt a nudge on her shoulder.
    "We're here."
    Claire rubbed her eyes and sat up straight.
    "Do you have anywhere you need to be? Mike's Auto Repair doesn't open for another six hours."
    No, Claire didn't have anywhere to go at 1:30 in the morning. What was she thinking? She could've had a full night's sleep if she had stayed with Samantha. Should she call her sister? No, that would only cause more problems. If Haley knew she'd had an accident in their mother's VW, she'd call her irresponsible and tell her to come back to Los Angeles. Claire wanted to go to Capitola. And find the writer of the letter.
    "Ma'am. Did you hear me?"
    "No, sir, I don't have anywhere I need to be." She looked around at her surroundings. Half the lights from the repair shop sign didn't work. The place looked haunted. Few cars were on the road. And there was no one around.
    A woman alone in a strange place was an invitation for trouble. Claire's heart beat wildly. Hadn't she learned anything from living in L.A.? Her throat was dry, and she tried to swallow. She was at a loss for words.
    "It's the middle of the night, and you're a