#elsewhere

He notes the outfit, too, and makes his way in the same general direction.

looks like the guy is heading to see if his rig is gassed up yet. The 'Dragon' is a red painted with fire designs

and is not near gassed yet. First comee, first serve

Frank's rig IS gassed.... he moseys over past the Dragon, checking it out as well with a glance.

There's a cooler in the passenger seat. Oh he's covered the medical symbol with a taped patch but the driver has not hidden it well

Frank fumbles his keys, drops them, pauses to scoop them up. "Seems like they're behind." he comments casually on the work eithic of the place. " 'Course, I'm on a rest period."

"Yeah..." the balding blonde curses ad looks at his watch "Hope they hurry it. I guess I'll go buy a granola bar to go"

"Long haul?"

"Nahh, uhm... Pershibles" And he walks offf

Frank looks around for Ava.

And she comes into view "You still here? You'e all ggassed up, fed up and smelling pretty"

"So why do I still have you at our place" She smiles though

"Ava, you trust me?" he asks gravely; the big man's never asked that before, and usually uses 'Miss'.

"Pop said you were the most trustworthy son of a bitch he knew..." She says "Yeah. I trust you, Frank"

He nods. "Guy in the Dragon. You know him?"

"Conrad Knowles... he's a shady characterr to be sure. Always trying to skim another penny off what he owes ..."

Frank nods. "Good enough for me. He got enough fuel to leave?"

"Not yet no... he tried to cut in line so I bumped him back. I donn't put up with shit like that. Why?"

"I think he's going to have a mechanical failure right here. Might take an overnight to get the parts. What do you think?"

A smile "For you, rigger? I suspect he just threw a rod. Give me a tic"

She finshes the hood oopen, clambers in, and the damage is done.

Frank nods. "Thanks. I'll explain later, promise. Next time I'm through."

He glances at the c-store door, goes to do his pre-flight walk-around of the Rig conveniently near the Dragon.

"Yeah you will" She nods "But no rush for me."

And looks like he has a few minutes but Conrad is about to come outtt

Frank takes his time; maybe linger on the far end of the Rig, out of sight but plausibly doing what he should be.

And out Conrad comes... moving towards his vehicle

Frank casually finishes his walk-around.

And nearly bumps into Conrad (By accident to be sure)

"Oh, sorry man."

"Oh sht yeah... Ava ttold me My vehicle threw a rod and they can't refuel.. I got to... " He looks panicked " I need tto get out of here. A rental or somethin"

Frank scratches his beard. "Guess you could see if they have something inside; a phone number or something. Most people who come through here have a job already, though."

"I know, and most can' take passengers. Hey.. you, you're independennt rightt?"

"Yes."

"Can you reroute to Cincinati?"

"I .. I can pay you" he says "Make it worth your trouble"

"Supposed to be on a rest-break...." he mumbles.

"Five hundred bucks..." He offers "Just speed is crucial"

"Five hundred?" reluctant interest.

"Seven fifty if you aren't afrraid to break the speed limit "

"Not putting my job on the line for $750." solidly.

"A thousand, okay?"

"Not for my job but... I can fudge the paperwork for the rest break and we can get going now." he says quietly.

"Ohh thank you man... thanks I.. I gotta get somehingn from my cab"

"Yeah, get whatever you need. Quick." Frank swings up and into the Rig...he scans for Ava.

He seees Ava not farr away

While Conrad gets thatt 'cooler'

Frank nods to Ava, and touches the bill of his ballcap in salute.

Ava nods bback