Gemotions

The coffee cup trembled in his hand, sloshing dark liquid onto the pristine white tablecloth. He watched, eyes wide, as a tow truck, bearing the name of a predatory company, disappeared down the street. His car, the one he'd poured his heart and soul into restoring, was strapped to its bed. Gone.

He almost choked on a swallow of coffee. He’d thought the notice was a mistake. He’d paid his parking tickets. He checked his phone. No notifications. No calls. Just the empty space where his car had been.

He felt the unwelcome thrum of panic starting to build in his chest. He ran a hand over his face, trying to clear his head, but his thoughts were a frantic scramble. He had a meeting in an hour.