The Odd Tale of Eric Stern – Part XIV

It was about nine at night when a young man entered the Motel. He didn’t have the full cost of a room.

Eric appreciated the chap had a girl waiting in the car. He debated whether or not to let the fellow have the room for half cost when asked

;”Is that car there, yours?”

“Yes, why?”

“Well, I’ll tell you what. You let me have the room and I’ll duco that car for you. I have some blue paint and some yellow left over from previous jobs and I could give you a really smart green.”

Eric’s mouth went into his usual frown.

“Look, I work at Johnson’s garage, I’m Tony Lopez, everyone knows me. I’m not trying to rip you off. Really.”

Eric Stern looked at the fellow. He was about twenty, give or take. Probably had gotten a girl drunk or maybe she was hot for him and he didn’t want to lose the chance.

Though Stern personally had never been in such a situation he could imagine that Jack had.

Yeah, Jack was once young and flirty, and every so often got lucky.

.”I’ll take a chance on you.”  Eric said as Jack would, and gave him the key to Villa Twelve.

“You won’t be sorry.” Smiled Tony.