Chapter 53

“I have to piss.”

Jim teased, “Can I watch?”

“Grow up. There’s a war on.”

“Asshole.”

Brian pissed, washed his face and hands, and did his teeth, glaring into the mirror. “He’s right, you arean asshole.”

Back in the basement, he found Jim, wearing slacks and a button-down shirt, sitting at the table with another police book.

Brian inched forward and took his Mickey cup. “Sorry. I aman ass.”

Jim had Brian sit on his lap. “I used to love it when my dad did this to me, though it was rare. I wish I could help you, but for now, I think you need to get your head out of your ass so you don’t screw up at work.”

“And you’ll be here when I get back?”

“I don’t know if I’m allowed to ride the whole shift with Officer Green.”

“Don’t get shot or anything.”

Jim kissed his neck. “Why aren’t you wearing that sexy cologne?”

“Why waste it? I’ll die next year when I get drafted.”