Chapter 8
Jacksonville, FL
I ARRIVED HOME somewhat later than usual and found Mike in the kitchen, making dinner.
“What’s this?” I said. “You… cooking?”
“Up yours, and I say that with the deepest respect. I do what I have to do in order to survive.”
“Need any help?”
“Everything’s under control. By the time you change, it’ll be ready.”
I took a quick shower, pulled on cutoffs and a tee, and went back to the kitchen. I sat down at the breakfast table in the corner, and Mike set a plate in front of me.
“Wow,” I said. “Steak and baked potato.”
“I thought you might need to recharge your batteries after last night and this morning.”
“Were you looking through the keyhole?”
“I have ears, and I know you, so I don’t need no stinking keyhole. Besides, the doors in this house are all new, a
