Chapter 22

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Roz’s mouth turned down at the corners as she set the battered and yellowing cordless handset back on its charger. We were sitting in the cramped office of her shop. I hadn’t known Roz but an hour, and I already knew that frown meant bad news. The springs in her desk chair gave a tired squeak as she leaned forward to deliver it.

“The closest place that has your core is a dealership in South Bend. They’re overnighting it for me. Gonna cost a little extra, but I figure if you’re like most people, you don’t want to stick around this little podunk town any longer than you have to.”

“Thanks. I appreciate that.”

Roz wheeled her chair back and stood up. She looked me over from head to toe and back again. Her expression remained completely neutral. At least it wasn’t a frown, I told myself.

“There’s two motels. The one in town, I wouldn’t let a dog sleep there. That leaves the one on the outskirts. I’m assuming you’ll need a ride.”