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her how he and Matt would handle the men’s work. An hour later JC came through the door. He'd paid a heavy price for installing the battery in the sweltering heat. His brown hair was damp, and his shirt clung to his body. Guilt hit Catherine hard when sweat dripped from his chin.
    Marty handed him a bar towel. “God, you look like you’re gonna stroke out on me.”
    “I brought a clean shirt.” He tossed Catherine her keys. “Here you go. She started right up.”
    “I don’t know what to say.” She moved her tip jar to the front of the bar. “By the end of the shift, I’ll have enough money to pay you.”
    “No way.” JC waved her off. “Ain’t no big thing.”
    “It was huge to me.” Catherine stared at the front entry. Matt hadn’t come through the door with JC, and she understood why. Still, a moment of unreasonable disappointment washed over her, which she tamped down. Keeping her distance from the sheriff was a good thing.
    ****
    Sunday, July 30th, midnight
    He hadn’t intended to kill her, but the bitch had kicked him. The hornets exploded and he’d choked her. Choked her hard and it was the biggest rush of his life.
    Next time, he’d plan better. Next time, he’d find a doll who wanted him. Next time? He rubbed his bulging crotch. Fuckin’ A . No way was finding her a coincidence. He was meant to have his own doll.
    He blew out a disappointed sigh and carefully applied a fresh layer of Mama’s powder and red lipstick to the doll’s ashen face. After retying the red bow around her neck, he sat back and studied her. A touch of glue on her eyelids and she stared straight ahead. Now she looked more like the green-eyed doll.
    She’d have to wait here until he got off work tomorrow. He chuckled when he locked the trailer door. It wasn’t like she had anywhere to go, and he’d lowered the temp on the air conditioner for her. He’d figure out a good spot to leave her. Pick a place she’d be easily found. She was too beautiful to let the varmints get at her.
    Something hadn’t been quite right about her. She wouldn’t cooperate, and he’d whipped her more than once. He adjusted his cock. Had it turned Mama on when she’d taken that wire hanger to his naked ass? ’Cause it sure jacked him up. In fact, he’d had fun with his play thing after each punishment. He’d considered having her one last time, but she was too cold. The idea intrigued him. Maybe, he’d be inside the next doll when she died.
    ****
    Monday July 31st, 11:00 a.m.
    Catherine finished her grocery list then dressed to find a second job. Butte Crest, its quaint architecture and beautiful old homes coupled with the nicest people, made her feel welcome, like perhaps she’d found a place to build a new life. A flash of panic hit her, reminding her of why she never stayed too long. All it would take is one person to dig into her past. What would Matt think of her? Would he understand she’d done everything she could to get away from Andy?
    Pushing the past from her thoughts, she counted her cash. She’d earned one-hundred-twenty-five dollars plus the sixty dollars for two shifts from Marty. Not enough to pay the rest of the rent and way short of what she needed to get the emissions on her car fixed. She’d drive to the town square and ask around, maybe someone needed help during the week, other than the funeral parlor.
    A potted plant of African Violets sat on her porch. She didn’t find a card. Shivers hit her arms. Surely that ass Vince hadn’t dropped them off. Matt? No, that was wishful thinking. Had Emma left a welcome gift? Catherine stopped at the main house on her way to town.
    Emma opened the door wearing a cotton housedress complete with apron. The blue flowered print matched the color of her eyes and complimented her curly silver hair. Catherine instinctively reached one arm out and hugged the older woman. “Thank you.”
    Emma’s eyes widened with surprise. “For what?”
    “The flowers. Didn’t you leave