Code 47 to BREV Force Cracko

CHAPTER 12

CHAPTER 12

When they got to school, Brad parked next to Evie's car. He stopped his sister before she got out and again offered to see what was wrong with her car. She thanked him but declined his help, realizing he really was late for class. She got out and watched as he engaged full propulsion and took off toward the other side of the campus.

Evie commanded voice control and her car door opened. She crossed her fingers when she initiated the engine start sequence. Now that the rain had stopped, she hoped the car would start but after three tries, she realized that wasn't going to happen. Frustrated, Evie pressed the call key for ATSS, Automotive Technical Support Station.

"In order to diagnose what's wrong we need our computer to call your SVD-phone," the car engineer who answered the call told her.

"Why, you made the repairs only a few days ago, shouldn't you still have the intel."

"Well, we don't so, we'll need to start all over again."

"Great, how long will this take, I have a class in twenty minutes?"

"Oh, we can't do it now! I'll put your number in the computer and it will call your SVD when your number comes up."

"Well, how long will that be?"

The mech-tech wasn't easing her frustration when he told her, "There's no way to tell. Just stay by the car and wait and we'll call when we can transmit the system codes to your vehicle. Probably sometime later today, I imagine."

"You don't understand," Evie tried to explain. "I left home early so we could do this before my class. Since you had access before can't you access the Satellite Video Diverter even if I'm not in the car?"

"Sorry," no can do!"

I can stand here for a while but I have a class in twenty minutes, how about if I call you after that?"

"That's okay with me but if we're busy you'll have to wait 'til tomorrow."

Evie's tone was sharp. "I'll stand here and wait for your call." Evie was really angry now. Because her car was old and didn't use the current systems, there was only one Auto Tech-Center she could use. She felt trapped. Brad was in class by now and she didn't know the rest of his schedule. If I were in California there would be plenty of guys dying to help me. She opened the car door by hand; got out and slammed the door and kicked the tire just for good measure.

"I don't see a flat in that tire," was the comment from a gorgeous guy in a new Foremost that had just pulled up next to her.

Foremost was a very expensive model of an old style pick-up type truck that looked like a raised off the ground sports car. This one was waxed to a high gloss black shine and was as good to look at as the guy driving.

"Are you trying to make it flat?" he asked.

Evie realized how foolish she must have looked. "Yeah at least that might be something I could try and fix! But, as it stands," she continued her tirade, "my car won't start and the tech says some computer will decide if I win the lucky lottery chance to get it diagnosed, sometime in this century-- but that is only if I can sit here long enough and not go crazy while I'm waiting...and I wish I was still in California with my friends and..." Evie took a breath and realized what she was doing, "Oh sorry, I think I've given you more information than you really need."

"I can't do anything about California but the other things I think I can oblige," he said getting out of his car with a smile that almost knocked her over.

First, he asked her to institute an emergency repair override, giving him access to her vehicle's systems. Then, he took her hand and escorted her to the passenger side door of his Foremost. He signaled for the door to open and then gave her a lift up into the cab. The feel of his arms was strong but gentle, as he set her down perfectly into the passenger seat which immediately changed contour to fit her body. He then instructed, "Heat on -- full blast. Adjust to passenger side individual body temperature. Continue until passenger instructs." He left her in the cab and walked over to her car.

Evie watched as he began to diagnose her car's problem. How did he know my car was like my baby? She tried voice recognition for the car's audio system and was surprised that the station played quiet romantic music. Sitting back Evie studied her Sir Galahad. Tall, definitely built, blonde thick, wavy hair that flowed down over his face when he bent down to look under the car hood. Not bad tush, either! Evie watched him gently toss his hair back with his left hand; no ring; great! Suddenly, he went to the back of his car and she couldn't admire him any further until he returned to her car with a spray can in his hand. She noticed that even though it was autumn he was wearing sun glasses that made him look like he was ready for the beach. She couldn't help wondering what those muscles would look like in a bikini bathing suit, smothered in sun-tan oil. She realized her thoughts were getting away from her, when his knock on the window startled her back to reality. Flustered and embarrassed, she fumbled around and instructed the window to open. He smiled and she apologized as he did.

"Oh, hey, don't worry about it. It took me a while to figure out what commands really work right and this is my car. Now as far as your car, the emissions wire was wet. I used a very old-fashioned method and sprayed some 'dry-out' on it and it should be fine now. If you've warmed up sufficiently, I'll show you what to do if this happens again."

Evie nodded as he opened the car door and assisted her in getting down. "I'm not great with cars but I'll try," she hesitated a moment and wished she could see his eyes.

She was elated as he took her hand guiding her over to the car's engine. He showed her which wire was the problem and what to do with the spray can which he pressed gently into her hand. Evie couldn't concentrate on the car and repeatedly asked him to show her again. Standing that close to him was agonizing yet exhilarating.

Finally, he said, "I know it seems complicated but if you have a problem again, give me a call." He handed her his SVD phone I.D. card and she programmed it into her C-TEL and returned it to him.

She wished again that he would take off his sun glasses but she had a hunch his eyes would be incredible, just like the rest of him. Evie knew she could get lost with him on some deserted beach and not care if they were ever rescued. She wanted to give him an appreciative kiss but thought better of it. "Thanks. You've been a real, life saver," was all she could finally conjure up.

"My pleasure pretty lady" he replied, closing the hood and returning voice command to her. He held the driver side door open and she got in. He closed the door, waved and jumped in his car and spun off without another word.

"Wait," she cried, trying to talk and command her window at the same time, for him to hear her, "I don't even know your name!" But, he was long gone. Evie examined the entry in her pilot, "555-378-8888," nothing more. No name; no information. She didn't know if he was a student, teacher, repair person, or just someone driving by on campus. Evie sat there trying to find a reason to call him and wondering if she would ever see him again.

Note:  Love is in the air for Evie...but where will it lead?  Keep reading