Chapter 16

“My God, I can’t believe it.”

“I rang the bell, but I guess no one heard it.”

“What did you do, Frankie?” Grant said, a touch of anger in his voice. “Go out for a pack of cigarettes and forget where you lived?”

“Yeah…I…I’m sorry about that. How’s things been going since I’ve been gone?”

“It was rough at first with me wondering what the hell I’d done to make you leave. But you’ll be happy to know you’re out of my blood now.” He indicated to Paris. “Thanks to Paris here.”

When Frankie cut his gaze toward him, Paris felt the strength of his virility and knew this was truly an unusual individual.

“Hi,” Paris said to Frankie, his voice soft as if he were a little unsure of himself. “I’m Paris Clayton.”

“Hi, Paris, I’m Frankie Starr. Grant might have mentioned me.”

“A little, maybe.”

“Get out.”

“What?” Paris said. “Why are you throwing him out?”

“Why?” Grant said, turning back to Paris. “You have to ask me why?”