Chapter 10

“Go for it,” Conley said when Brian didn’t move. “He loves this game.”

“How come he never asked me to play?” Brian muttered before going after Sir K.

“He will, now that he knows you’re willing to.”

Ten minutes later, laughing, the men dropped into two of the chairs in the center of the room. Sir K landed on Conley’s shoulder before hopping to Brian’s, and back again to Conley’s.

“He never wears out,” Conley said fondly, scratching the macaw’s head.

“He’s great. I’m glad he’s here. It gives me someone to talk to.”

“You can talk with me.”

Brian shot him a sour look. “I’d rather get three friendly words from him than your rants.”

“Pardon me? I don’t rant. I call things the way I see them.”

“And you see me as a useless waste of space,” Brian retorted, getting to his feet. He left the room before Conley could reply.