At the edge of the treatment road, a battered tow truck sits across the lane, amber lights turning steadily through the damp gray air. Ms. Vale remains in the passenger seat, one hand braced against the dashboard.
A middle-aged woman approaches from the truck. Nora Bell has a broad, weathered face, cropped blond hair, and a heavy navy work jacket over faded coveralls; a cracked company patch marks her shoulder.
Nora Bell
Dispatch sent me for the sedan. Trouble is, I can't pull up the work order. Radio's been spotty all morning.
Nora taps a clipboard with one gloved finger, stopping several paces from the driver's window. The truck's winch cable hangs slack, its hook resting in the mud.
Ms. Vale
I know that logo. Kira, don't let her anywhere near the trunk.
Ms. Vale's voice drops to a brittle whisper. She keeps her eyes on Nora's jacket patch, then glances toward the sedan's rear as if expecting someone else to emerge.
Nora Bell
Ma'am, I only need to verify the vehicle and load it. If there's a problem, call the number on the truck.
Keep the sedan and its contents under Kira’s control
Determine whether Nora Bell is working with Ms. Vale’s pursuers