A middle-aged man stood there, leaning on the hood, smiling genuinely as they approached.
"So there was a car," Lydia thought. "He just could not be bothered to mention it was parked halfway across town."
"Morning, folks," the driver said, tipping his hat with a friendly nod. "Name is Earl. I will be your chauffeur out of Grimholt today."
Ethan shook the man's hand without returning the smile. "Ethan Laurent. This is Lydia."
"Pleasure to meet you both," Earl said, tipping his hat toward Lydia
"You too," Lydia replied with a smile, suddenly appreciating the simple kindness of being acknowledged.
Earl opened the back door for them. Lydia slid in first, moving to the far side. Ethan followed, careful to maintain as much distance between them as the backseat would allow.
