| Popular Again

Finally, they emerged onto a busier boulevard. Early risers were already trailing up and down the sidewalks, shopkeepers were opening up their stalls and warm, steamy smells wafted out of bakeries.

Jane finally called a halt and crouched down so a reluctant Rolland could clamber off her back. 'Too many people around here for them to try something,' she said, acting as if she'd barely broken a sweat. 'Y'all wait here. I'll fix us some wheels and we can get back to Ray's.'

Rolland nodded approval, but Jack seemed less certain. 'Stealing two cars in one morning? Isn't that pushing your luck?'

'You think we've been lucky so far today, Jacky-boy?' She shook her head, apparently amused, and gave Jack's ass a playful squeeze as she passed by. 'Be ready, people.'

Ava stared in astonishment at Jane's retreating figure, then folded her arms and regarded Jack coolly. 'I see you made a new friend.' She doubted his red cheeks were entirely down to running.