Tom drove Elvira into Acra for some supplies. Some people waved as he passed. He smiled wanly and returned their waves. “Never thought you’d be driving a creamsicle-colored pickup while on leave, did you, Tom?”
He put on his directional and slowed as he approached Martin’s store. A bunch of highschool kids buzzed around a black-on-black Jeep Tactical like bees pollinating a death-flower. “Who the hell’s driving a Tactical up here?” He parked on the other side of the store, walked slowly past the big windows, and scanned the store for unknowns. “Don’t be an idiot, Tom. Everybody up here’s unknown to you.”
He picked up the supplies and added a Rolling Rock six pack. Back outside he whistled as he came up to the Jeep. “Wow. You boys do this?”
They laughed. Some shook their heads. The one who knew about Tacticals took pride of place and ownership. “No.” He hooked a rhumb towards the store. “Martin’s cousin came up to do some fishing. He got this and modified it to be street legal.”
“Nice.” He glanced at the still open driver’s door. “Think he’d mind if I took a look?”
Pride of Ownership pulled back and waved him in like a used car salesman anticipating a quick sale.
Tom handed him the six pack. “Mind holding this? Help yourselves, by the way. Just leave one for me for the ride home.” He winked and nodded towards Elvira. “Driving my sister’s pickup. Don’t want people getting the wrong idea, you know?”
They laughed, leaned with their backs againnst the Jeep, and passed the bottles around.
Tom made sure they weren’t watching, reached up under the dash behind the steering wheel, and slid it sideways until he felt the SAC – Special Activities Center – tracer.
Pride of Ownership turned back to face him. “Thanks, Mister.” He handed the last beer to Tom. “So what do you think?”
“Sweet ride. Out of my reach, and sweet ride. Guy must be rich.”
Halfway home he pulled into the shoulder, his hands at 10-and-2 on the steering wheel. “Checking up on me, [[Captain?? Commander??]] Gilbert?” He tapped his thumbs on the wheel. The visor came down and revealed a small vanity mirror surrounded by lights.
He laughed. “Well named, Elvira. Well named.”
The mirror caught something in the truck bed. He turned quickly, wondering if one of the highschool kids jumped in without his knowing.
Nothing.
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