Chapter Thirty Two

“Look,” Ali said softly, “how can you focus on your work when you’re always worried about the next loan payment? And it’s not a loan. Clear?”

Carol was in a state of complete shock. Never had she expected anything like what she had just experienced. While still sitting frozen to her seat, Ali passed over the packet of papers Judy had brought in, and had her sign forms in a number of places. She did it, although she was moving like a zombie.

“On behalf of Clifford & Jamison, I apologize, Carol,” Ali began. “You heard Judy’s comment, but you probably didn’t get the significance. It’s your car...”

“My car?”

Ali made a compacting motion with her hands, as if she was crushing something. “Your car.”

Carol could only shake her head.

“It’s our own damned fault,” Ali explained, “coupled with our snooty image. The guys in the garage saw that old, dirty Toyota and had it hauled away to the car crusher.” She snapped her fingers and added, “Oh, yeah ... Some personal stuff that was in it is now in