Chapter 26

"Why did you decide on that tattoo?" For emphasis, she traced the design with her index finger. A gold-inked crown with red and blue "gems" along the tiered top balanced on a black King of Clubs playing card beneath.

"Oh that," he chuckled as he grasped her hand. "Would you believe I did this on a dare? In high school, I got in with a somewhat rough crowd who called themselves 'The Kings' Club.' Not a gang, mind you, more like a group of stupid, punk kids. These guys ran around painting graffiti on historic buildings, skipping school and drinking behind some old storage sheds. We used one as our headquarters. I thought I needed the club's signature as my badge of manly honor, though the tat hurt like hell."

She laughed. "What about your brother?"