Page 14 of Cowboy's Last Stand
He searched through the tools for a moment and then held up the wrong kind.
“No.That’s a flathead.”
Marcus found three different screwdrivers.Jason selected the best one, thanking him.The next step was attaching the door, and he actually needed someone to hold it in place.Marcus did an admirable job.They were finished in twenty minutes.
“Let’s fix something else!”Marcus said.
“What else needs fixing?”
“Mom’s car,” he said.“Where is it?”
“It died near the park last night,” Jason said.“Can you find her keys?”
“Sure!”
After Marcus delivered the keys, they walked down the street together.Jason let the kid sit in the driver’s seat while he pushed the vehicle the short distance home.Marcus was delighted to assist in this grown-up business.Jason slowed the VW bug to a stop at the curb in front of her house and held it steady while Marcus climbed out.Then he popped the hood to look it over.The pale blue bug was an older model, almost vintage.Marcus stared into the dusty engine compartment with him.
“What do you think?”Jason asked.
“I can’t tell,” Marcus said sagely.
“Was it making strange noises?”
“Yep.”
“Like what?”
“First it wentscreeee, and then it wentclick, click, click.”
“Huh.Bring me a flashlight, will you?”
He scampered back to the porch and retrieved a flashlight from the toolbox.Jason searched the interior for the alternator belt, which could cause screeching noises as it wore down.After it snapped, the engine wouldn’t even turn over.He located the belt but couldn’t access it.He’d have to take the engine apart to get a better look.
“Can you fix it?”
“Probably, but I should ask your mom first.”
“Why?”
“Because she’s the boss.”
Marcus didn’t disagree.“Do you want to play video games?”
He shook his head.“I’m no good at those.”
“Why?”
“Slow thumbs.”
Marcus frowned at the imaginary excuse.Before he could ask more questions, Jason said, “You go ahead without me.”
“OK,” he said, and clambered off.
While he was gone, Jason gave the car a closer inspection.He checked the oil and fluid levels.It needed a tune-up, and several of the hoses were cracked.The battery looked new.Alternator problems could drain a new battery, however.
“Did you come into my house?”
Jason jerked at the sound of her voice and almost slammed his head against the underside of the hood.Natalie was standing beside him in a yellow chenille robe.Her feet were bare, her natural hair in disarray.
