"Howdy, folks, looks like you can use a tow!" Zeke says cheerfully, as he hooks up the Wrecker to their bumper.
Then he looks at the family, each holds a suitcase or backpack, and Zeke shakes his head.
"State Law, I can only take two passengers, so how's about I take the ladies first-considering your missus condition. Then, I'll come back for you, guys. In the mean time," he said reaching into the back of the Wrecker, and opening a cooler, "Here are a couple beers for you guys. Ladies, hop in. And you two, I'll be back for in two shakes of a rattler's tail."
"I sure could use a beer, too," Lorretta said, and she reached for the beer her husband was holding.
Zeke stepped between raising his hand. "Ma'am, you really oughtn't considering your condition."
"That's the second time you referred to my condition, do I look that bad?"
"Well, ma'am, in addition to driving the tow truck, I'm the local paramedic, and we're trained to note these things. You look like you're in the early stages of pregnancy."
"That's not possible!" said Mike angrily.
"Oh, if you had a vasectomy, it can grow back. Steve Taylor, who lives up the road that way,has had 3 of them there vasectomies. Doc says in young virile men, they can grow back in a few months or years."
Mike paused and smiled at the suggestion that he was young and virile. Loretta simply cleared her throat.
"Tell you what, Missus, I'll drop you and your daughter at Doc Welby's, so you can check for yourself. It's closer than the repair shop, so I can come back and pick up your men folk sooner, and then Mrs. Bates's got a motel next to Doc's clinic. You'll probably have to stay overnight, there ain't a lot of Volvo's around these parts, so we'll probably have to send for your tire," Zeke explained, as he adjusted himself again. Then he walked over and clapped his big burly arms over Mike and Jeff's shoulders. His body odor had a peculiarly relaxing affect on the two Shane men. When Zeke finally stepped into his driver's seat next to Loretta and Jennifer, John and Mike were standing arm over shoulder toasting them with their beers, and for some reason tenting their shorts.