“Thank you for giving me a push. I was afraid someone might accidentally rearend me.”

The man continued to peer around the engine. “You’re welcome. What happened?”

“I don’t know.” She added a shrug. “I was about to turn in when it just shut off. I tried to restart the engine, but…nothing.”

“Did any lights come on on your dash?”

“No. It’s completely blank.”

“Did the engine try to turn over?”

“You mean make that grinding sound? No. It was dead silent.” Sighing heavily, Marly shook her head. “I just paid two hundred dollars yesterday to replace the battery. Please tell me it’s not the battery again.”

The man examined that area of the engine compartment. “Hold on. Let me get a flashlight from my truck.” Returning to his vehicle, he grabbed one from the passenger side, making her assume he got it from the glove box. Flicking it on, he brought it back with him and shone it inside the engine. Marly was considering taking her seat back behind the wheel when the man gave a little cheer.

“Aha! I think I found it. There’s a couple of connectors that came loose. I bet that’s why you lost power. Hold on.” Clenching the flashlight in his teeth, he reached down to do something. When he was done, he reclaimed the light and nodded to her. “There. Now try to start her again.”

As soon as she opened the door, she heard the telltale dinging coming from the car letting her know the door was ajar with the key still in the ignition. Hopeful, she tried to start the vehicle.

The engine roared to life.

Marly stared in stunned surprise out the windshield as the man lowered the hood and set it back in place. Walking around to her open door, he continued to smile at her. “You said you just had the battery replaced?” he asked.

“Yes, and it wasn’t that old. Less than a year.”

This time she saw a frown come over him. “That can’t be right. Batteries have at least a three-year lifespan. Where did you have it replaced?”

“Nicholson Autobody Repair.” She laughed nervously. “I’ve been a customer of theirs for so long, they know me by name.”

Something like agitation crossed the man’s face. Seeing it, she asked, “What? Is something wrong?”

“I don’t know. Maybe. Look, the next time you need your car looked at, take it to another repair shop, okay?”

“Why?”

He shook his head. “I’m not claiming anything, but those wires I found loosely attached, they weren’t fully connected…” Pausing, he suddenly brightened again. “Look, I’m glad I was able to help. Are you going to be okay now?”

“Yes. Thank you again. You’re a lifesaver.”

“Just doing the Christian thing, ma’am. Take care.”

He turned to go back to his truck. Stunned by his reply, Marly realized she couldn’t let him go. There was something special about the guy that intrigued her. Something that made her want more of his company. Grabbing her wallet from her purse, she hopped out of the car and hurried to catch up with him.

 “Wait! Sir?”