The polished chrome trim along the counter rail was cool against his callused knuckles.

Evelyn Vance stood on the customer side of the counter, polishing a heavy glass water pitcher with a clean white cloth.

She set a fresh plate of hot meatloaf, brown gravy, and mashed potatoes in front of Nathaniel without asking for his order.

“Arthur packed his personal tool chests into his truck bed right after lunch,” Evelyn said, keeping her eyes on the handle of the pitcher.

“He has until noon tomorrow to clear out of the county site storage lockup,” Nathaniel said.