Chapters 21-22, Enter Friendly Fred and The Perfect Crime Summary

A tall, thin man enters Flick's Tavern and downs a quick drink. Flick identifies the gentleman as Friendly Fred, a local used car salesman. Ralph reflects on the value that Midwesterners place on a good automobile. As he sees it, the family car, a weekly paycheck, and a reputable bowling average are really all that is important to the average Midwestern man. Flick recalls an old car that Ralph's family used to own. Beset by guilt, Ralph confesses that he has a secret to tell about the beloved automobile affectionately referred to as simply "the Graham-Paige" or simply "the Graham."

Chapter 22 begins with a great description of the Used-Car Nut. Ralph's father loves cars with a passion. The Old Man spends his Saturdays visiting various used car...