Brenda checked my name, printed address, and photo against the blue vehicle record.

“There’s a title transfer fee of thirty-five dollars,” Brenda said, pointing to line four on her printed slip.

“And twelve dollars for the new state registration card,” she added.

I opened my purse, took out my business debit card, and set it on the edge of the counter.

Ethan reached into his jacket pocket and took out his leather wallet.

He pulled out two twenty-dollar bills and a five and laid them gently on top of my debit card.