“Why on earth would I want to get out of the car, Jason Hemming?”

“What?” It was the tallest of the youths-a kid of about nineteen-and his bravado sounded a bit shaky. “How do you know who I am?”

“We want your car, lady,” another youth butted in, his voice threatening. “Get out or we’ll take you-”

“Me?” There was laughter in Jenny’s voice. She didn’t sound one inch afraid. “Come on, Tommy. That’s not your speed. Driving with pregnant women.”

“I’m not-”

She didn’t let him finish. “Tommy, I’ve seen you with ten different ladies since I moved in here, and every one is a heap more attractive than me. I don’t want to ruin your reputation.”

“You live here?” It was the same voice, raised in incredulity.

“I sure do. I know your mom, Jason-and yours, too, Tommy. In fact, I helped your kid sister with her homework last night. Adele’s your sister, isn’t she, Tommy? She’s a real cutie. I live up in number thirty-seven.”

“Hey, I think I’ve seen her around,” one of the boys said, his voice nervous. “She’s not lying.”

“So why are you driving this?” Tommy was disbelieving.

“Me? Driving this? You have to be kidding! It belongs to my boss,” Jenny said cheerfully. “He’s loaded. Isn’t it the best?”

“We want it.”

“You and me both, but you want to get me sacked?” Her voice grew reproachful. “Or me to have my baby right here?” A tremor entered her voice, and Michael started forward. Maybe she was afraid. He stopped again as he heard what she was saying. “I’m off to the hospital.” She sounded almost proud. “I’ve got labor pains. My boss offered to drive me. He’s just gone up to get my toothbrush.”

“You’re kidding!”

“Nope.” Michael peered around the corner and saw Jenny open the car door, get out and stand so they could see just how huge she was. She staggered a little and put her hand to her back. “You want to know what a baby on the way feels like? He’s kicking so hard. Heck, it hurts, though.”