Inside was a towing notice and a handwritten list of charges.
For several seconds, he examined it.
Then looked up.
"Let's get you to your appointment first."
Walter shook his head.
"I can't afford to pay you."
Marcus smiled gently.
"You don't pay me."
The older man's eyes filled.
"Your father used to say that."
Marcus felt a sudden tightness in his chest.
Walter continued.
"He fixed my truck once when I didn't have enough money to pay him."
Marcus nodded slowly.
"I remember."
The older man looked toward the driveway where his pickup used to sit.
Then whispered, "I just want my truck back."
Marcus took a breath.
He had no idea that helping Walter recover the vehicle would eventually place him face-to-face with Sergeant Hale beside his own ruined tire.
The towing company was called County Line Recovery.
It operated from a fenced lot near the industrial side of town, with a small office, several tow trucks, and rows of impounded vehicles.
Marcus drove there after Walter's medical appointment.
The office clerk was a young man wearing a baseball cap and a stained sweatshirt.
He looked up when Marcus entered.
"Can I help you?"
Marcus placed the notice on the counter.
"I'm trying to understand the charges on this vehicle."
The clerk examined the document.
Then shrugged.
"Tow fee. Storage. Administration."
Marcus nodded.
"What's the administration charge for?"
The clerk looked irritated.
"Processing."
"Processing what?"
The young man stared.
"It's the fee."
Marcus took a slow breath.
"Could you show me the itemized explanation?"
The clerk sighed.
"Look, man, I don't make the rules."
Marcus nodded.
"I understand. Who does?"
The employee hesitated.
Then pointed toward an office behind the counter.
"The manager."
Marcus asked to speak with him.
The manager eventually appeared, a heavyset man in his fifties with a gray beard and an expression that suggested he disliked questions.
He introduced himself as Frank Mercer.
Marcus explained that Walter was an elderly veteran who needed access to his vehicle and wanted to understand the charges.
Frank listened impatiently.
Then said, "Police ordered the tow."
Marcus nodded.
"Which officer?"
The manager looked toward the paperwork.
"Sergeant Hale."
Marcus wrote down the name.
Then asked for the location and stated reason for the tow.