And with one last wave, Coules stepped off the empty curb and headed across the street to the police station. Lassiter stood in the street, uncomfortably trying to decide if he had anything to say. Finally he decided against speech and followed Coules. Gus sank down to the curb.

“You’re not going to let him get you down?” Shawn said.

“I’m not letting him do anything,” Gus said. “He did it all without my permission.”

“He’s hazing us,” Shawn said. “It’s a sign of respect. Welcome to the brotherhood of crime solvers.”

“I hope one of the other brothers has a car, because we don’t have a way to get home.”

“What kind of attitude is that?” Shawn said. “It’s a beautiful day. We’re young, healthy, and strong. And Santa Barbara has been repeatedly voted best pedestrian city in the USA.”

Gus stared up at him. “Are you saying we should walk to the impound lot?”

“Of course not.”

“Good.”

“There’s no point in us both going. So I’ll wait in the coffee place on Anacapa. You know, the one with the waitress you think likes you but who really has a thing for me.”

“My car was towed because of you. You’re going with me to get it back.”

“Okay, okay. But we’re not going to walk. I’ll call my father and ask for a ride.”

Gus sighed, then got wearily to his feet and started walking down the street.

Shawn called after him, “Where are you going?”

“To get your phone. It’s in my glove compartment.”

Those were the last words Gus said to Shawn for eight long miles. Eight long vertical miles up a narrow, twisting road. Because the impound lot lay at the top of a high hill looking out over all of Santa Barbara and the bay.