I couldn’t argue with that.
I called dispatch and reported the breakdown. Then I explained why I’d been heading toward Denver instead of continuing west toward Utah.
My dispatcher transferred me to my boss, Grant.
“You turned around for a hitchhiker?” he demanded.
“His wife’s dying.”
“That’s unfortunate, but you’ve got a delivery to make.”
I told him the engine was finished and requested roadside assistance.
Grant said he’d arrange for the truck and trailer to be recovered. Then he warned me to remain available for reassignment.
When I said I intended to help Walter reach Denver, his voice hardened.
“Walk away from that assignment, Robert, and you’re finished here.”
After the call ended, Walter sat silently beside me.
Finally, he said, “I can’t ask you to lose your job.”
“You didn’t ask. I stopped.”
We waited nearly four hours before a tow truck could safely reach us.
By then, Walter had received another call from the hospital.