17
Later that night, Max stood deep in thought on the covered back patio. He absently lifted the beer bottle in his hand and took a deep swig. He partially turned when he heard the sliding glass door open behind him. When he saw that it was Ashure stepping through the door holding a beer, he turned around and faced the man.
“Ashure,” Max murmured in greeting.
Ashure nodded and closed the door behind him. Max turned toward the railing again when Ashure came to stand beside him. They both stared out across the backyard toward the dark woods and starry sky. Max’s mind wasn’t on the scenery; it was on Ashure, as it had been since this morning.
“Tell me the truth about yourself, Ashure,” Max quietly requested.
Ashure looked at him with a calm expression. Tonya’s cryptic responses and short
