Chapter 26: Trust Your Gut

The neighborhood was quiet. The heat of the day was upon them, but Kel didn’t mind. He’d been in worse places while in the military. A hot day in Philadelphia was not even in the top twenty of the most awful places he’d seen.

Still. He didn’t want to get involved. He’d been in the thick of things flying in the Air Force. His post-military life had been laid out to go to work with the nightclub then live a quiet life making furniture. He liked it that way.

He stopped in the middle of the block. What was he doing? Billy Malone was none of his business. Kel fisted his hands, trying to deny that he felt a special affection for the boy. He saw a lot of himself in the boy and he wanted to guide him.

No, Kel. Don’t get involved. Don’t.

He turned back to his house, but his heart wasn’t in the idea of leaving this alone. He sighed. “Damn it.”