I took out my phone and made a call. I put it on speaker.

It rang twice.

“Carol Benson, Desert Sterling.”

“Carol, it's Joe Callahan.”

“Joe! Good morning. Rita told me you might call.”

“Carol, is your offer still open? A hundred and fifty eCargo vans, and ten sedans for my managers. Same price we discussed. I'd like to sign today.”

Behind me, I heard Brent make a small sound. Like a balloon losing air.

“It's still open, Joe,” said Carol. “The contract's ready. I'm actually sitting in your parking lot. Rita said you might want me close by.”

I looked through the glass wall of the showroom. In the parking lot, by the red carpet, a woman with short white hair got out of a silver car and waved, holding a folder.

“Mr. Callahan, wait,” said Phil Harmon. His voice was desperate. “Please. You can't sign with another dealer in my showroom.”

“You're right, Phil,” I said. “That wouldn't be polite.”

I walked to the glass doors.

“I'll sign in the parking lot,” I said. “You can watch through the window.”