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From his apartment, situated over Jake's Four Star Auto Service, he could see two big guys, muscle-bound goons, hoisting his '64 Impala behind a tow truck. These weren't repo guys. Sotak knew damned well who they were and, worse, he knew who sent them there and why. As he watched them pull away with his most prized possession, Sotak slumped into the old easy chair next to the window.
Cleo was a big gal whose heart saw the good in everybody who ever passed her way. She met Sotak the day he stepped off the bus at Landray City station, and offered him the room above the garage in exchange for some help managing the business. When her husband Jake died three years ago, he left her with an auto repair shop that was barely staying in business. She added a couple of gas pumps and hired high school boys to pump the gas and wash cars. Today, with Sotak's help, Jake's Four Star is one of Landray City's best business establishments - a full service auto repair and detail shop with an upholstery and custom decal department.
Sotak was reluctant to open the door. He merely unlocked it and walked back to the easy chair.
"It's open," he called out over his shoulder.
Cleo stepped into the tiny apartment with some apprehension. As Sotak turned toward her, getting back into the chair, she noticed his face.
"Peter Sotak, what happend to your sweet face?" She walked over to him quickly, kneeling in front of him for a closer look at the damage. "Those men, the two who took your car," she was now touching his face where there was not a bruise or scrape, "did they do this to you?"
"Cleo...", Sotak wasn't ready to discuss the last few days events with anyone, especially Cleo. "Please Cleo, this is my problem. Let me deal with it my own way."
Cleo stood up and looked back down at Sotak. It was the kind of look an older sister gives a brother who is prone to disappointing but still deserving love. Her hand gently brushing his brown hair. In a quiet but stern voice she demanded, "Peter, talk to me"
[This message has been edited by kuhlenberg (edited 28 January 2000).]
[This message has been edited by kuhlenberg (edited 28 January 2000).]
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