“In case you were interested, what you’re looking at is grand larceny: damaging those cars that no longer belonged to you so they’d go for a lower price at auction. And since my guess is you did more than a thousand bucks’ worth of damage, that makes it a felony. Oh and the Jaguar we all liked? That went to a specialist auction in Nevada. Out of state makes the crime federal, although with a good lawyer maybe you could argue to keep it in court here in Michigan.”

Spencer looked into McGrath’s smiling eyes.

What? You thought the ride was over, boy? Nooo, it ain’t over till I say it’s over, and I say it ain’t over for a while yet.

“Why rock the boat? I pay you well? Always in cash just like you wanted.”

Johnny Boy took back his phone and placed a large wad of bills in the cupholder. “Thirty thousand.”

“Buy that car,” said McGrath. “You know the one. All-wheel drive, rally heritage.” He laughed. “Come on, it’s been a nice trip. Let’s get back to the depot.”

Although it seemed an age ago, it had been barely six weeks since Spencer’s furious attempt to get back at the bank and obtain reduced stock for another start-up. He’d phoned Jay to see if the Subaru was one of the cars still to be auctioned. Turned out it was and when it rolled into the sales hall it looked dirty, damaged, and unloved and Spencer got it for a song. That part of his original plan had worked out at least.

Back at the depot, he sought out Cal to OK the necessary repairs.

Cal paid Spencer’s expenses but only after deriding him a little and then sending him to their favored supplier: Action Motorworks on Elmhurst. They didn’t bother with invoices. Cal was careful about what he signed.

Batiste and Scott, parked on Noble, watched Spencer’s new car drive into the depot.

“It certainly doesn’t look like he’s leaving,” said Scott.

“He wanted to. They have something on him,” said Batiste. “McGrath’s dead set on keeping him for whatever the hell this thing is he’s got coming up.”

“Do we know how long yet?”