“Just make sure the funds are cleared,” Rebecca said, and the line went dead.

She pushed the phone into her coat and waved for Lily to carry the box into the van.

The heavy diesel engine of the moving truck sputtered to life, sending a cloud of pale exhaust into the chilly air.

The driver hit the brake, and the twin red taillights lit up like fire in the dark drizzle.

I sat alone in the cold car with my palms flat on the steering wheel, watching the truck’s taillights shine on the wet street.

Arthur pressed record on the cassette machine, listened to three seconds of tape hiss, and hit stop.