THIRTY-EIGHT

CLARE

THE world around me looked dark, but it smelled like heaven—

Coffee! Oh, coffee!

Eyes closed, I inhaled deeply.

Earthy. Nutty. Sweetly roasted.

“Nice way to wake up, right?” It was Matt’s voice.

Opening my eyes, I realized I was still in the getaway van. The air was freezing, my neck was sore, but a hot cup of bliss was literally under my nose. Matt was in the driver’s seat. His strong hand was holding the cup. After ten years of marriage, he knew what would rouse me—and arouse me. (The latter was what worried me.)

I took the cup and thirstily drank.

“How are you feeling?” he asked.

“I had the strangest dream.”

“Good dream or bad dream?”

“I’m not sure.”

“Was I in it?” he asked.

“No.” I rubbed my sore neck. “Where are we? I remember Queens. Then we took the Long Island Expressway. I must have nodded off for a few minutes.”

Matt snorted. “More like ninety.”

“Sorry.”

“It’s okay. After all you’ve been through, you needed the rest.”

“And this miraculous coffee? Where did it come from? Don’t tell me you bought it at a gas station.”

“Close—it’s a converted one. Look behind us.”

I did and saw a brightly lit building a short distance away. “What is that?”

“Hampton Coffee Company. They have a few locations out here. That’s the Water Mill store. I’m one of their green bean suppliers. They roast their own, like we do. What do you think?”

“Are you kidding? After the torture of decaf tea and Sanka, it’s liquid ecstasy.” I drank again. “Are your Ugandan beans in this blend?”

He nodded.

“I remember this coffee . . .” I closed my eyes, took another sip. “You helped the tribe get a washing station, right?”

“That’s right, Clare. That’s good.”

When I opened my eyes again, Matt was smiling, white teeth flashing attractively in his dark beard. He started the engine. “We’re not far from our destination, but I figured you’d appreciate a cuppa real coffee.”

“I did, but wait!” I gripped his shoulder. “One’s not nearly enough!”

He laughed. “You think I don’t know you? I bought two pounds of whole beans. I’ll make more at the house.”

“How far is it?”

“Ten minutes.”