Chapter 4
He drove into Utica and saw a Ford dealership shortly after he went under the Interstate. He pulled into the used car lot and slowly cruised down the lanes looking at the cars. He saw what he was looking for and stopped his truck. Barbara searched his face for a sign of what was on his mind. It suddenly dawned on her.
"If your doing what I think you're doing, I told you that I couldn't afford a car."
"I know what you said. I just like to look at cars."
A salesman came running over to them and asked if they were looking for anything special.
"Do you have a Ford Explorer with fairly low miles on it? Something around three or four years old?"
"I just took one in on trade," the salesman said, "It's only got forty-four thousand on it. We haven't done any prep on it yet so it isn't on the lot yet. Would you like to look at it?'
He nodded and they followed the man to the shop area of the dealership. The car was in very good shape and he asked if they could try it out. The sales man ran to get dealer tags.
"What are you doing Mr. Bostic?"
"My name is Roger. And, if you like this car we'll get it so you have something to ride back and forth to work in."
"I can't let you do something like that. I'll just have to wait until I can afford something."
"Look, there are no strings on this. I just want to help. If you don't have transportation, you can't work. Believe me, I just want to help."
"Let him buy it," Lara yelped, "He's rich."
"Lara, be quiet. I can't let you buy this car. It just isn't right."
"Barbara, you need this car. Now get in it and try it out. If you like it I'll get it."
He shoved her toward the car and Lara followed. She got behind the wheel and Lara jumped in the passenger seat. The sales man jumped in the back and they drove off with the salesman pointing out all of the good points about the car. Lara gleefully waved to Roger as they pulled out of the lot.
They returned in a half an hour and pulled the car up to were he was standing and got out of the car.
"Well, how is it?"
"It's a good car. It drives great. I can't accept this from you. It just isn't right."
"Come on inside and lets see how low we can get the price."
He took her hand and pulled her behind him into the showroom. He dickered with the salesman for over an hour before he agreed to buy the car. He called Barbara into the office and had her give him the information that the salesman needed for the title. The salesman started to hand her the keys.
"Aren't you going to inspect the car?"
The sales man sheepishly took the keys back and told Roger that he would have the car inspected right away.
"We'll be back in a couple of hours to pick up the car. If anything needs to be repaired, do it. I want you to service the car including the transmission. I don't want her to have to service anything on the car for a while."
They walked out of the dealership and got into his truck. Barbara put her hand on his when he went to start the truck.
"Why did you do that? People don't do stuff like that."
Roger looked at her, "I just sold a major company for cash. I have always intended to use some of the money to help others. I see that you need help, so I'm just doing what I've always intended to do. If this will be some help to you, I'm happy. Now let's get some insurance on that car. Do you have an agent that you work with?"
She directed him to an insurance office. He went in with her and made sure that she got adequate coverage. He wrote a check for the annual premium and they left the office.
"I think Lara's about to pass out for lack of food. Let's get something to eat."
They pulled into a Denny's and went inside. They were able to be seated right away and the waitress took their drink orders and left the menus.
Barbara waited until Lara went to the ladies room, "I still want to know why you're doing this?"
"If you looking for an ulterior motive, don't. What I told you about wanting to help people with some of my money is the truth. I would rather help you and know where the money is going than to give it to some charity and hope they use it wisely. I hope that I'm helping you to get back on your feet."
Lara came back and saw the tears in her mother's eyes. She knew why her mother was crying and put her hand over her mother's hand. The waitress came and took their order. They talked mainly about Lara while they ate. Lara was ecstatic about the car they were buying.
When they had finished eating they went back to the dealership to pick up the car. They had to wait for about an hour for the few minor repairs to be done and the servicing that he had ordered done. Lara was on pins and needles wanting to ride home in their new car.
He followed her back to her house in his truck. She pulled into the driveway and parked the car. He waved and started to back out of the driveway. He saw her running to his truck and he stopped.
"Please come inside a while. I haven't thanked you for what you did."
She was looking around and he knew that she was worried that Henry would come back. He parked the truck and followed her into the house. Lara stayed outside and inspected the car both inside and outside.
"I really want to thank you for what you've done today. I don't know what I would have done if it wasn't for you. I don't know if I will ever be able to pay you back."
He didn't like where this was leading, "There is nothing to pay back. I did it because I wanted to. I'm going to be leaving in a day or two and I'm just glad that I was able to help."
She smiled at him weakly and he knew that she was relieved that he was not expecting any payment from her.
"What about your husband? Do you want to go after him to get him to pay you the money that he owes you?"
"I'd like to. It would mean a lot to us. It's only a hundred a week. He makes an excellent salary. It's not like he can't afford it. I just can't afford to hire a lawyer."
"I have a lawyer on retainer. He works for me anyway. I could put him in touch with you. "
She brightened and then the sadness came back into her eyes, "It would cost too much to have him served with the papers."
"Let me worry about serving him. There are ways around that. I'll have my lawyer or somebody he recommends get in touch with you."
He got up and walked to the door. She put her arms around him and hugged him.
"Thanks for everything you're doing for us. I've been so depressed lately. I just couldn't see any way out of the mess that I got myself into."
He pulled away gently, "You have a fresh start now. Use it to make yourself and Lara a good home. Don't ever put up with a man like Henry again. Just think what could have happened if she hadn't run away from home."
He felt her shudder. He hugged her tighter and pulled away and walked out of the house. Lara was sitting in the car turning the steering wheel like she was driving. She waved as he walked to his truck.
He knew that he had lied to her. Hal would send him a bill for what needed to be done. She needed help and he made up his mind to give it to her.
He turned the truck around and headed toward the motel. The traffic
was starting to get heavy and it seemed like he hit every traffic
light. He came to a four-way stop and waited for his turn. He glanced
in the rear view mirror and saw an old car about four cars behind him.
He went through the four-way stop and continued on. It took a couple of
minutes before he realized why he had noticed the old car. It was just
like Henry's old car. He kept an eye out for the car as he traveled to
the motel. He thought he saw it once more but when he tried to make
sure whether it was Henry or not he couldn't find the car again.