George Martin and Mike Foster have been best friends since childhood, but recent events have brought them even closer together: Mike has moved into George’s house now that George’s unfaithful boyfriend has been kicked out. It puts Mike in a pinch, because he’s always loved George -- maybe more than a best friend should.<br><br>George doesn’t suspect Mike’s feelings, being wrapped up in his job as the youngest lieutenant in the Jacksonville sheriff’s office and investigating a series of murders. But it will all come to a head when George is stalked by a psycho and Mike steps in front of a bullet meant for George. George then realizes there’s much more to their relationship than he thought.

Bodies of Work

Mike and I settled in a booth and placed our orders. He opted for the lasagna, and I chose a large antipasto with the famous blue cheese dressing. We elected to drink water. The restaurant offered only coffee, tea, and soft drinks, as it didn’t have a beverage license. On the other hand, if you were discreet, you could bring a brown bag containing a bottle of beer or wine, and nobody objected. It was that kind of place.


On the way back to the house, I said, “That certainly filled me up.”


“You’ve got that right. I don’t know how the guy manages to keep his prices so modest.”


“I don’t know, either, but I intend to enjoy it while it lasts.”


“Simply this. When Gus decides to retire and somebody else takes over the kitchen, it won’t be the same.”


“Wrong,” I said. “You know we’ve been in there a couple of times when he had a day off, and his brother was in the kitchen. We’ve both noticed a slight difference in the food.”


Chapter 20