But something bothered him about all of this. While the place seemed like a perfect prospect and was definitely in his price range, the deal sounded almost too good to be true. Maybe the owner’s son was just in a hurry to relieve himself of his father’s business and get back to his own life. Or maybe he just really needed the money from the sale of the property. But Brett couldn’t let the idea of fulfilling his long-held dream persuade him to make rash decisions that he’d regret down the road. Lord knows he’d already done enough of that to last him a lifetime.

In order to be sure of what he was getting himself into, Brett needed to see the place in person and inspect the building for any major issues. Unfortunately, that in itself was a problem. The son had already booked his return flight back to Arizona in the morning, and the only time he could show the property was tonight. Otherwise, Brett would have to wait to see it until the man came back in a few weeks to clear out his father’s home.

But he worried that if he didn’t jump on this opportunity, there was a good chance someone else would. So he’d agreed to meet the guy at the used car lot around seven o’clock.

That should’ve given him enough time to run home, grab a bite to eat and a quick shower, and then make it to the dealership on time. But as usual, things hadn’t panned out according to his plan. Just as he started to close up shop, an elderly woman had pulled in and asked him to check her alternator belt. It had been squealing, and she was leaving in the morning on a gambling trip with her bingo friends.

Closed or not, Brett hadn’t been able to refuse her. But by the time he’d replaced her belt and sent her on her way, he was now running late himself. He would’ve called the guy to let him know, but in his rush to get there, Brett had accidentally left his cell phone in his toolbox back at the garage. Along with the guy’s phone number. Just great.

Brett peered up from the road long enough to check the position of the sun, which had already descended behind the trees. It was getting dark, and he hadn’t had time to get a shower, much less eat anything. But it looked like, as long as he hurried, he would make it to his appointment only a few minutes late. Well, if the son hadn’t given up on him and left already.