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

“Not until I make partner, and that takes years.”


“When that happens, do you have any options as to where you go from here?”


“A few, but that’s a long time off. I might decide to go into private practice right here in Jacksonville. The big firms are a total rat race—they take guys fresh from college, chew them up, and spit them out. Only a few actually start climbing the ladder. In the long run, I think I’d prefer to be my own boss.”


“Been there, done that,” Mike said. “Still doing it, in fact. It’s kind of scary, but it’s also very satisfying, particularly when you start to succeed.”


I raised my glass and said, “A toast to the new couple.”


“Hear, hear,” Mike said, and we all touched glasses.


“Be sure you get tested before you stop using condoms,” I said.


“And get retested every six months for a couple of years,” Mike said.


“We’ve talked about that,” Carl said, “and we’re going to take care of it later this week.”


Chapter 109