Kate had grabbed a shower last night, so it didnt take her very long to get ready for the day. She had the urge to go for a quick run, feeling restless and anxious to get the day started. She assumed theyd head back to Deton after speaking with Bill of Bills Tire and Auto. With Nick Sanders in custody in Richmond and no real leads sitting elsewhere, she actually thought they might end up in Richmond before the day was over with. And that suited her just fine; maybe shed be able to sneak in a quick trip to visit Melissa to see how they were doing.

DeMarco arrived ten minutes later with breakfast and coffee. Kate found herself ravenous, realizing that she had somehow skipped dinner yesterday. It wasnt much of a breakfast but with a sausage biscuit and hash browns in her stomach, she and DeMarco headed back out toward Duck Branch with coffees in hand.

When they arrived at Bills Tire and Auto at 8:01, there was only one customer. A lone manpresumably Billwas taking a tire off of a newer model van. The owner stood to the side, kicking absently at a stray bit of trash in the parking lot.

Kate was all about safety first so she waited for Bill to completely remove the tire before she approached him. He was in a small garage, and there was a small shop of sorts attached to the small office and shop building. He looked up to them and sighed.

You the agents? he asked.

We are, Kate said. Agents Wise and DeMarco.

You the reason I dont have anyone to help today, then? Apparently, he was not impressed with their professional approach or their accolades.

Kate looked over to the owner of the van, his eyes locked on the two strange women. Could you please excuse us? she asked him. Wed like to speak in private.

The owner of the van frowned but gave a nod. He then walked into the little office that was attached to the garage. Kate watched him through the large window as he started to look at the small rack of snack crackers on the counter.

I take it youre Bill? Kate asked.

I am. Can I ask why youre here?

We were hoping you could give us some more information about Nick Sanders. Hes not exactly being very forthcoming with certain details of his life.

He in bad trouble? Is it drugs?

Hes in trouble one way or the other, Kate said. We are still trying to get a clear picture of what sort of trouble, though.

Well, hes always been in some kind of trouble, Bill said. He was rolling a new tire out and positioning it on the now-vacant wheel well on the van. What do you need to know?

Did you ever hear him talk about his family? DeMarco asked.