At seven-o-clock, barely an hour of sleep in the bag, Matthew gathered up his suitcase, clipped a leash to Roscoe’s collar, and put them both in the car. He arrived at his first destination too early, stuck sitting in the parking lot, sharing a fast food breakfast with Roscoe until the doors were unlocked. Matthew made a simple purchase. By the time the transaction was over, the gates were swinging open at the cemetery were Jimmy lay at peace. That became Matthew’s second stop. The tombstone was ordered and would be in eventually. At present, all that marked Jimmy’s final place on earth was disturbed earth and a wooden cross.
Matthew brought Roscoe with him. The dog seemed to understand where they were and flopped down on the dirt with a sad doggy sigh. Matthew kneeled beside him, a hand
