Chapter 193: THERE'S ALWAYS AN ALTERNATIVE

Alan Gerard climbed the stairs into Lizzie's Diner and almost crashed into Zach waiting in the entryway.

"How's my favorite son doing?"

"I'm your only son, Dad."

"Yeah, I know, and that makes me the luckiest man in all of New York." He rubbed his hand over Zach's back as they walked inside.

Lizzie greeted them. "So good to see you, Detective. We've missed you." She planted a kiss on Zach's cheek. "How are you feeling?"

"Pretty good. Thanks for asking."

"Come," she said, pulling out two menus from the rack, she led them to the staff table. "Only my favorite customers get to sit here." She gave a wink and walked back out to the front.

"How's the therapy going," Alan asked.

Zach's lips tightened. "Not so good."

"What's wrong?" Zach leaned back against the cushion in the booth and filled in the details. "My offer still stands."

"I know, and I appreciate that, but . . ."

"But what? Are you afraid PI work won't be as exciting or as meaningful as being a homicide detective?"