“Fuck. I haven’t laughed like that in a while. Make it quick and don’t wander off,” he says, a slight shine of tears cascading down his cheeks.

“Thanks.”

I turn my back on him and try to remember Rebecca’s number from memory. After a few moments, it comes to me. I punch it in and let the phone ring. After four rings the call goes to voicemail. The positive though is that the recording is in fact Rebecca’s voice, so I remembered correctly. I skip the voicemail and try her one more time. Again, no answer.

I type in another number, glancing back at the clerk as the phone rings. He’s busy reading a magazine.

“Hello.”

I press the phone firmly to my ear. “Daniel. It’s Adam.”

“Adam, my boy. The auction’s still going strong. Ends next week and we gotta lotta nice offers. Wait! I heard you were in prison again. Something about bail jumping. This book is going to be spicy,” he says.

“I’ve escaped.”

“Oh, shit. You can’t be calling me.”

“I need your help.”

“Adam, I can’t help you. I’d be an accessory. Just take some good notes for your book.” He ends the call abruptly.

Shit. I dial another number, and she picks up on the first ring.

“Mom, I’ve escaped.”

“Oh heavens. Where are you?” There’s panic in her voice.

“It doesn’t matter. I’m going to meet you at your hotel later tonight. I need cash.”

“Of course, sweetheart. You don’t belong in that prison anyway.”

“Just don’t tell Sarah.”

“I have no interest in speaking to Sarah, and I have half the nerve to slap her again.”

“Again? Mom, you didn’t?”

“Hey what’s taking so long there, bud?” the clerk asks over my shoulder.

“I have to go.” I end the call, delete the call log and click the screen off, handing him back his phone.

“Sorry, thanks for your help.”

“Girl won’t answer, Mr. Pay Phone?” There’s a smile on his face.

“Something like that.”

Out in the night air, I decide that a walk it shall have to be, and I begin my journey, keeping the highway near my line of sight for reference. After a few hours, I arrive at what I’m pretty sure is Rebecca’s neighborhood. Without a phone though I can’t call and ask for an address. I decide to try to spot her car in the driveway, crossing my fingers that she doesn’t keep it in a garage.