Page 6 of Nomad

“Huh,” he repeated.

“This says you’re only twenty-five. Today.”

“Yeah. So?” He held his hand out for the license.

“You, ah, look older.”

“Well.” He sighed. “Not surprisin’.”

The teller returned and said, “I’m going to count this out for you here.” Cann nodded then watched her count the bills. “Would you like an envelope?”

“Yes. Thank you.”

She put the money inside an envelope made for that purpose and set it in the tray.

Cann motioned for Bud to follow him to the counter where people stood to prepare transactions. They were still the only customers in the bank.

He took a fifty, two twenties, and a ten out of the envelope and put the cash in his wallet. He resealed the envelope and walked outside.

When they were on the sidewalk, he handed Bud the envelope.

Her eyes flew to his in surprise. “What’s this?”

“It’s money so you can rent your own bed tonight. I’ll rest better knowin’ you’re gonna have somethin’ to eat besides cheese crackers.”

He shoved it toward her body and she took it out of reflex. “What I really want is a ride.”

He’d already turned away from Bud and toward his bike. He stopped and turned around slowly. “Where?”

“Austin?”

“Look. Darlin’. I don’t have to tell you that you’re under age. You already know that. If it was next week, after your birthday, I’d give you a ride. Now? That’s the kind of trouble I don’t need.”

“Please. I’m pregnant.”

He froze for a couple of seconds before saying, “Jesus Christ. That isreallythe kind of trouble I don’t need.”

“What kind of trouble do you need?”

“You think this is a good time to be a smart ass?”

“It’s not really a good time.”

“Why are you out here in,” he waved his arm, “this town?”

“My daddy wants me to have an abortion.”

Cann looked skyward, ran a big hand through his hair and repeated, “Jesus Christ.” He looked at her. “That’s not legal, is it?”

“It’s not legal to make me have an abortion, but if it’s done privately, forcibly, it’s his word against mine. And nobody’s gonna believe me.”

“What about your mother?”

“Died when I was five.”

“Is this on the level?”

“Yeah.”

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