Chapter 4

“Yeah, driver’s license, social security card. And a checking account number for direct deposit.”

He squeezed the back of his neck. “I don’t have a checking account, so I’d prefer to get a paper checkI can cash, please.” He dug into his wallet, found the items I needed, and handed them over to me.

Bemused, I took them. “Thanks. Shouldn’t be a problem cashing the check since it’s drawn on the bank in town.”

“Great. Anything else you need, boss?” He seemed a little on edge, even as he tried to appear indifferent.

I took the time to study him before answering. The Lonnie I’d grown up with wouldn’t have been caught dead looking anything less than perfect in public. So it was odd to see him still in the same clothes he was wearing yesterday. I glanced briefly at his shoes and saw there was a hole in the toe of one of them.Something was very wrong here, but I had no idea what it was.

“No, that’s it.” I waited for him to say more, but I could tell he wanted me to leave.