The lead mechanic glanced toward the office.
"Did the president tell you to do that?"
"Yes."
A muscle tightened in the older mechanic's jaw.
"Where is he?"
"Meeting with someone."
"Who?"
"Didn't say."
The lead mechanic looked toward the Shovelhead.
The restored ground connection was visible beneath the engine. Several wires had been labeled, and a fresh inspection sheet lay beside the lift. The younger mechanic had begun building an accurate record of the motorcycle's condition.
That was dangerous.
"Look," the lead mechanic said, lowering his voice. "I know yesterday got out of hand. But you need to remember who's responsible for this shop."
The younger mechanic set down his pen.
"The president."
"You know what I mean."
"I know you're supposed to supervise the repairs."
"Exactly."
The younger mechanic looked him in the eye.
"Then help me understand the invoices."
The lead mechanic's expression hardened.
"What invoices?"
"The ignition components. The outside machine work. The hours you billed when nobody was here."
"Are you accusing me of something?"
"I'm asking questions."
The lead mechanic leaned over the table.
"Be careful."
The younger mechanic didn't move.
"Careful about what?"
"About making yourself a problem."
The younger mechanic closed the folder.
For several seconds, the two men stared at each other.
Then he stood.
"If the records are right, they should be easy to explain."
He walked toward the office, leaving the lead mechanic alone beside the lift.
The older man stared after him.
He had expected the teenager to be the only threat.
Now the entire garage was beginning to turn against him.
The president returned an hour later with a retired motorcycle technician.
The retired man had worked with the club founder many years earlier and had helped maintain the Shovelhead during its earliest years. He was seventy-one, moved slowly because of an old back injury, and no longer accepted regular repair work. But when the president explained the situation, he agreed to examine the motorcycle independently.
He arrived carrying a small leather tool bag and a notebook.
The lead mechanic greeted him with a strained smile.
"Didn't know we were bringing in outside help."
The president nodded toward the lift.
"Fresh set of eyes."
"We've already got three mechanics here."
"Then four should be even better."
The retired technician studied the motorcycle without answering.
He walked around it once, examining the frame, engine, wiring, and recent work. Then he reviewed the diagnostic records while the younger mechanic explained what they had observed.
He didn't make any immediate conclusions.
Instead, he began asking questions.
"Who authorized this replacement?"
The lead mechanic raised his hand.
"I did."
"What test showed it was necessary?"
The mechanic pointed toward a service note.
The retired technician read it.
"That doesn't establish failure."