Chapter 9

The living room had one double-pained window facing the street with a view of the sea. The house stood only a block from the beach, most definitely its greatest appeal. Jim had purchased an artificial pre-lit tree, and he’d set it up in front of the window. The lights were on, but he hadn’t added any decorations yet. Nor had he put up the outside decorations.

The house had three back bedrooms and one bathroom. Nothing fancy and maybe even a little sad, really, as Jason had told him some pretty bad stories of his life here, but for some reason, Jim liked it. A lot.

“I’m hoping Jason will sell it to me, in time,” Jim admitted. “I like it here. But we’ll see. I’ll be right back with dinner.”

Jim plated the chicken and filled two bowls with salad, then snatched up the bottled ranch dressing. He brought everything to the table.

“Oh, my God, it smells incredible.”

“Hope you like it,” Jim murmured.