The beat-up old Hyundai rattled to a stop in front of the Best Western in Yuma, Arizona. Before Digger could step fully out of the car, Val was rushing out to meet him, looking stunning in a simple denim skirt and pink sleeveless blouse.

“Took you long enough,” she said. “Where’ve you been?”

“Long story,” Digger said.

“Well, I don’t have time to hear it,” Val said. “We need to get going.”