Chapter 2

Without even so much as a glance back, Linus slipped out the door.

* * * *

Samson watched as the door closed behind Linus. He found himself torn, wanting to go after Linus and take him by the wrist, keep him from leaving until they got this sorted, but maybe it was the right thing to do, letting Linus walk away. A little distance between them and the issue at hand might generate some clarity. He hoped. Still, he stayed in the foyer a bit longer in case Linus changed his mind.

Eventually, however, he returned to the kitchen, picking up the small mess they’d made while preparing breakfast. Everything had been perfect when they got up that morning, the two of them dipping into the shower together for a bit of fooling around. They’d laughed and speculated on the day’s plans, not really settling on any one thing, when Linus broached the subject yet again.

The very same one that always brought a dark cloud with it, Eeyore style.