Chapter 44

Xavier shut the passenger door, and as always, looked around at their surroundings with suspicion. They’d finally stopped at a rest area near Biloxi for gas and food, and a much-needed piss break. “Okay, this looks all right,” Xavier said, rubbing the back of his neck. Then he reached into the car to retrieve the keys. “You forgot them in the ignition again,” he said, twirling the keys in his hand.

“Well, I’m light headed,” Billy snapped back, slamming the driver’s door.

“Oh, and grumpy, it looks like.” Xavier walked around to him. “Come on, let’s get some food in you.” He playfully nudged Billy’s shoulder with his. “Hey, how many Ss in Mississippi?”

Billy tried not to smile. “Don’t know. Don’t care.”

“Oh, come on.” Xavier pinched his side. “Don’t crack up on me now. We’re in Biloxi, Billy—less than two hours from New Orleans. Tonight, we’ll be at the Y and later, you and me, will be walking around the French Quarter.”