“Oh, Ranger,” he exclaimed when he saw the back windshield of the Chevy. “Who did that? An irate husband?”

“A couple of country boys I ran into, Mac. They thought they were being cute,” I replied.

“Well, you’re lucky it was only glass. When you called, I sent my man straight to the supply house. We can have you fixed up and on your way in nothing flat.”

“You didn’t have to send to Atlanta? That’s amazing. I thought everything had to come from Atlanta,” I said.

“I keep my sources close, Kennesaw,” Marvin responded with a wink and a nod. “Only way to operate in this business. Vintage does not mean slow.”

Marvin was true to his words. Forty minutes later, I drove out with a new back windshield and a fresh wax job. I was just turning south on Waters Street when the phone rang.

“Kennesaw, oh honey. The ambulance just picked up Bob and took him to the hospital,” Fran Martin said in a breathless rush.

“What happened, Fran? Where are they taking him?”

“I found him collapsed on the floor of his shop and called nine-one-one. The paramedics said they’re taking him to Candler. I’m so upset I don’t know what to do,” she said in a voice wrought with emotion.

“Where are you, Fran; are you still at home? Is anyone with you?” I asked as I pulled into a parking lot and turned around.

“I’m at home. Linda, my next-door neighbor, is here with me.”

“Well, wait right there. I don’t want you driving. You go pack yourself an overnight bag and put together a toilet kit for Bob. I’m on the way and will be at your place as fast as I can. Okay, Fran?”

I heard her breathing on the other end as though she was having a hard time catching her breath.

“Okay, Kennesaw. But hurry.”

“I’m on the way, Fran. Just hang in there.”

I may have set a record for getting to Tybee. Fortunately traffic was light and I saw no cops—or more correctly—no cops saw me. When I arrived, Fran was doing better than I expected. She was composed and in control of herself. She’s a tough gal, I reflected as we headed back to town.

At the hospital we found that Bob had already been moved from the emergency room to the ICU. A young doctor came out to speak with Fran.

“Mrs. Martin, Bob has suffered a partially collapsed lung, and since that’s his only lung, it gives us a lot of concern,” he reported.

“Is he—?” she began before the doctor cut her off.