The Roadside Traps

The fog hung thick over the Catskills Ridge when the sedan rolled up to the single glowing pump.

A man in grease-stained overalls ambled out from the dark bay with a friendly, welcoming smile.

"Hey, mind taking a look?" the driver called out, rolling down his window. "My check engine light's been flashing for the last two miles."

"Pop the hood," the local said.

Under the propped hood, hidden from view, the attendant reached in and snapped the main ignition lead clean off.

He slammed the hood down with a heavy thud and walked up to the driver's window. The friendly warmth completely gone from his face--

"Go ahead. Start her up."