Calvin smiled.
“How much?”
Ellis looked at his grandson.
“Thirty-five.”
For once, Eli laughed with everyone else.
They drove home slowly.
For the first several miles, the safe rattled slightly against the blocks beneath it.
Eli kept turning to look through the rear window.
Ellis finally said, “It isn't going anywhere.”
“I know.”
“You've checked eight times.”
“I know.”
Silence filled the cab.
Then Ellis asked, “What do you think is inside?”
Eli watched the road.
“I don't know.”
“Money?”
“Probably not.”
“Gold?”
“No.”
“Diamonds?”
Eli smiled.
“Now you're making fun of me.”
“A little.”
Eli grew serious.
“I just keep thinking about that cut.”
“So do I.”
“Why would somebody stop?”
Ellis rubbed the steering wheel with one thumb.
“Maybe they realized there was another layer.”
“Then why add another weld afterward?”
Ellis glanced over.
“That is the better question.”
They reached the Mercer farm shortly after noon.