Chapter 43

“Always,” Darren admitted, licking his thumb. “It comes with the territory if you don’t gobble them down. If you do, then ice cream headache.”

“No kidding.”

It was almost fully dark by the time they arrived at the park. Not that it mattered to them, or to the walkers and runners who were taking advantage of nice night. They made it to the top of the hill, which was really a large flat mound, about ten feet tall that took up one full corner of the park. It had two gravel paths meandering across it, with lights every few yards. There were a few benches between the lights, vacant except for one where a homeless man was stretched out, asleep, with his head on his backpack.

“I know him,” Rob said under his breath. “Or more I recognize him from downtown. You won’t roust him, will you?” he asked Darren with a worried frown.

“Nope. Not my territory, and besides, he’s not bothering anyone.” He slid his arm around Rob’s waist. “I always hated doing that, as you should know by now.”