Free THE BLUE STALKER by JEAN AVERY BROWN Page A

lumber or hauling off shrubs.  I’m going to be busy with the flower shop.  You’ll be on your own, savvy?”  Ella told him.
                  “Yes, I savvy Ms. Ella.” He assured her.
                  Mr. Kelly swaggered out the door that was barely wide enough for him, cocking his cowboy hat to the back of his head. 
                  “Howdy folks, you lookin’ for a good used car cause if you are I got some good runnin’ rigs.” Holding out his big hand with his usual greeting.
                  They shook hands Ella introducing themselves.
                  “We are looking for a good running truck.  Where’s the best one you have on the lot?”  Ella looked around the lot for the trucks.
                  “Follow me.” Mr. Kelly said as he started walking with long strides.  Ella and Juan double stepping it to keep up.  Seems Mr. Kelly is used to running all over the lot.  He showed them a nice looking truck with an extended long bed.  This would be good for construction work.  You could haul a lot of materials and men with the extra seat.
    If you plan on doing construction this one will fit the bill.”  Mr. Kelly said as he slapped its hood.
                  “Juan, do you know much about an engine?”  Ella asked knowing they needed to be sure it was a good running vehicle.
                  “My uncle is a mechanic. I worked in his shop when I was a boy.  In fact my uncle said I had the knack for fixin’ cars.  I can tell pretty well if it’s a good running rig.”  Juan assured her.
                  Juan started up the truck listening to the motor shaking his head he lifted the hood.  He noticed the engine had been steam cleaned.  This was a sign the motor was probably throwing oil or had in the past.
                  “I don’t think we want this one.”  Juan told her.
                  “What do you mean young man this is a good truck.”  Mr. Kelly said with a disgusted look on his face.
                  “It’s just not the one for us, Sir.  Do you have any more in this price range?”  Juan asked.
                  “Come over here and I will show you a winner.  I was keeping this one for my boy but what the heck if you want it it’s yours.  It’ll cost you but it’s your money you’re spending.”  He said pushing his cowboy hat to the back of his head exposing his balding forehead.
                  Juan started up the engine, looked under the hood, checked the carpet under the accelerator and brake. It was only slightly worn.  A good sign the odometer at 35K is accurate. 
                  “You wanna take it for a spin?”  Mr. Kelly offered.
                  “That’s a good idea Mr. Kelly.”  Juan and Mr. Kelly hopped in the truck.  They drove around a few blocks and Juan fell in love with the truck.
                  “Juan, is it a good running truck?”  Ella asked as she walked around it looking for any dents.
                  “Ms. Ella it’s a good running truck and it’s red.  I love red trucks.”  Juan told her grinning from ear to ear.
    Ella laughed at his young innocent behavior.
                  “Mr. Kelly what kind of warranty do you put on your vehicles?”  Ella inquired.
    “Six months or ten thousand miles which ever comes first.” He informed her.
                  “What’s the bottom dollar on this vehicle?”  Ella asked with offering much less on her mind.
                  “It’s right there on the window Ma‘am.”   Mr. Kelly stated as a matter of fact.
                  “Oh, I see the numbers but what I asked is what’s your bottom dollar?”
                  “Damn, lady if I didn’t need to make a sale I wouldn’t come down on the price but you got me