Chapter 21

Alice and I were already into our second margarita by the time Fatimah walked in, from ten feet away her smile seemed to brighten the entire room. I stood up and gave her a big hug.

“Couldn’t wait for the old mom? She said eyeing the array of empty glasses.

It’s been a long day,” I explained. “ say hey to Alice.”

Pleasure,” said Fatimah brightly, grasping Alice’s hand. Though the day had been planned for just her and me, Alice was one of those pry who rolled easily with whatever came up.

“Moo’s been telling me all about you,” Alive said over the din.

“Most of it it’s true, unless she’s been saying I’m some kind of crackerjack forensic pathologist,” Alice said, grinning. “Actually all she’s been saying is that you are a real good friend.”

Susie’s was bright, festive cafe with faux-painted walls and pretty good Caribbean food. They play a little reggae? A little jazz. It was a place where you could kick back, talk, shout, even shoot a rack of pool.