“I'd just like to look at one,” I said to Brent. “Sit in it. See how the cargo space works.”

“The demo van's not available,” said Brent.

I could see it from where I was standing. A big, shiny, white electric van parked in the corner of the showroom. Nobody near it.

“That one?”

“It's for serious customers,” said Brent. “We don't really let people just… wander around in it.”

Courtney put down her nail file.

“Sir, maybe you could come back with your boss?” she said sweetly. “Whoever runs your company? They can call and make an appointment.”

I almost laughed. I didn't.

“I'll just take a look around, then,” I said.

I walked over towards the van.

Behind me, I heard Brent say quietly to the security guard by the door, “Keep an eye on that guy. Make sure he doesn't touch anything.”

The security guard was an older man with gray hair. He looked at me. Then at my shirt. Then at Brent.

He didn't move.

“He's just looking, Brent,” he said. “It's a free country.”