Chapter 21

Brooks flops down on Alan’s bed. “Yes, jeez. She’ll be here in an hour.”

Turning to the mirror above his dresser, Alan futzes with his collar. How many open buttons are too many? He isn’t sure. “And what time will you be home?”

The question earns him a dramatic sigh. “Before you, I’m sure. We’re only going to the movies.”

Alan meets his nephew’s gaze in the mirror. “Before eleven, I hope. Detective Garrison won’t be there to bring you home tonight.”

Brooks rolls his eyes. “Yeah, yeah, I know. What time are yougetting home?”

“We’ll see.” Alan smiles at his nephew’s scowling reflection. “I’m not the one with a curfew, am I?”

* * * *

Jim lives downtown, in an attic apartment of a three-story Victorian row home located a few blocks from the James River. When he first told Alan the address, Alan joked, “Jim on the James. Sounds like one of those fusion cuisine restaurants they’re always opening around here.”