Accession of the Stone Born: The Vigiles Urbani Chronicles Read Online Free PDF Page B

anything else you need?”
    The thought of spending so much of what was left of the cash in my bank account made my stomach tighten. “I’m going to need something to get around in. I can’t bum rides from people every time I need to go somewhere, and New Orleans isn’t exactly known for its public transit system.”
    A tiny derisive breath escaped him while nodding in agreement. “You make a fair point, but I might have a solution.”
    That perked my interest as I tore my eyes off the plate to look up at my uncle. “Oh?”
    Andrew’s smile faded, and he dabbed a paper napkin at the sides of his mouth. “I don’t get out like I used to. Which means I have two cars rotting in the garage.” He made a dismissive gesture. “It’s an older model vehicle, but I assure you it’s in great shape. If you want, I could sell it to you.”
    I kind of felt like I was taking advantage of the old man, making me feel even more guilty than before. “I couldn’t take your car.”
    Andrew’s eyes narrowed and his face lit up. “You wouldn’t be ‘taking it’! That’s stealing. No, you’d be buying it. Don’t worry so much. I have a second vehicle, and if I don’t feel up to driving I’ll ask you for a ride.”
    How could I argue with that logic? He had a second car, so when I needed to move on he’d still have transportation. Then there was Isidore, who’d take him wherever he needed to go if I wasn’t there to do it. If he was willing to part with whatever was in the garage and it helped him in any way, how could I refuse? “Sounds good. How much do you want for it?”
    Andrew was quiet for several seconds, pondering the question before settling on a decision. “I hate paying the insurance on it anyway. How about you give me twenty-five-hundred dollars and we call it even?”
    Sticking a hand in my pocket I pulled out the wad of cash, counted out twenty-five one hundred dollar bills, and pushed them towards my uncle before pocketing the last of the cash. “Consider it done.”
    Part of me really hated buying something sight unseen, but I didn’t like owing people. Having outstanding debts to family, friends, or people in general made me feel indentured to them, and I couldn’t stand that. No, far better that I handle it right away and be done with it.
    Andrew was quick to pocket the money with a smile. “When we go downstairs I’ll show you the car before we head in and set up for the day.”
    Picking at the last of my food, I nodded. “I take it you’ve got appointments?”
    Andrew spread his hands in a casual manner. “Someone is selling a copy of the Dunlap Broadsides , and I’m supposed to authenticate it.”
    I damn near fell out of my chair. “Someone is trying to sell a copy of the Declaration of Independence ?”
    Andrew shoved another forkful of potatoes in his mouth and shrugged. “There are twenty-six accounted for; after today there might be twenty-seven.”
    I obviously didn’t understand what my uncle did for a living. How could he be so nonchalant about an original copy of the Declaration of Independence ? My mouth had fallen open and I promptly closed it. “You’re acting like this isn’t that big of a deal.”
    Andrew swallowed another bite of his food. “It isn’t.” He chuckled and waved his hands around in a grand gesture. “In my line of work, you can’t get all misty eyed every time some musty old document comes your way.”
    That was something I could understand. After a while, work could desensitize you to things that would baffle anyone else stepping into your shoes. “Well, it may not be a big deal to you, but to me it’s pretty fucking impressive.”
    Andrew eyed my plate and his face brightened. “Finish up while I grab the title to the car. I’ll have it notarized this afternoon so it will be all nice and legal.”
    His rush to put the car in my name made me a little nervous, but his excitement about it still made me smile. “No rush on my account.”
    Andrew