He said nothing.
Helena replied:
“Mr. Reyes is conducting an independent condition assessment.”
“He has no manufacturer authorization.”
“He isn’t performing warranty repair.”
“He’s contaminating evidence.”
Caleb almost laughed.
Russ saw.
His face reddened.
“Something funny?”
Caleb stood.
“Contaminating evidence sounds interesting.”
“You know what I mean.”
“No.”
“Explain.”
Russ’s attorney touched his arm.
Too late.
Russ pointed.
“You’ve wanted my shop since Marisol died.”
The room went silent.
Caleb’s expression changed instantly.
Vivienne looked at him.
Russ realized he had crossed line but pride kept him moving.
“You couldn’t keep yours.”
“Now you’re trying to tear mine down.”
Caleb walked toward him.
Not fast.
No threat.
That was worse.
He stopped three feet away.
“My wife died.”
Russ looked away.
Caleb’s voice stayed low.
“I sold my shop to pay for her care.”
“You know that.”
“You came to funeral.”
Russ swallowed.
Caleb continued.
“If you need to attack my work, do it.”
“If you need to attack my truck, do it.”
“Do not use my wife because you’re scared of an invoice.”
Silence.
Russ’s lawyer whispered:
“Russ.”
Helena spoke.
“Mr. Calloway, leave.”
Russ looked at her.
“Our contract—”
“Suspended pending review.”
“You can’t—”
“I just did.”
Russ looked at Caleb with hatred.
Then left.
Caleb returned to vehicle.
His hands shook for several minutes.
Vivienne approached later.
“You okay?”
“No.”
She waited.
He appreciated that she did not tell him he was.
After a while:
“He knew her?”
Vivienne asked.
“Everybody did.”
“Small town.”
“She used to bring cookies to his shop.”
Caleb tightened a wheel lug.
“When she got sick, Russ offered to buy my lift.”
“I said no.”
“Three months later I had to sell building.”
“He bought it through another buyer.”
Vivienne frowned.
“His current garage?”
“Part of it.”
Her eyes widened.
“He bought your shop?”
“The building.”
Caleb shrugged.
“I don’t care.”
She knew that was not entirely true.
“He mocks your truck.”
“People need hobbies.”
“Why didn’t you tell my mother?”
“About what?”
“Conflict.”
“I don’t want his business.”
“I want truth about vehicles.”
“That is conflict enough.”
Vivienne watched him work.
“You’re very disciplined.”
Caleb laughed.
“No.”
“I’m tired.”
“There’s difference.”
She smiled.