They met at Brickner’s Books on Mason Street in downtown Channing, a high-end bookstore frequented by the famous author, Robert Riley. Bill Brickner, a Tom Brady look-alike, welcomed Burke and Cal into his store. He served the two men mocha coffees with heavy cream.
“Look around. Enjoy yourself. All historical fiction is thirty percent off today. Make yourself at home. If you need me, I’ll be at the front of the store.”
Brand new hardbacks stared down at the two men, needing and wanting to be picked off the shelves and perused with fingertips, minds, and eyes. Paperbacks by best-selling authors like Roberts, King, and Steel were displayed on small, knee-high tables. Cream-colored tile decorated the floor.
To Burke’s surprise, Cal Yuell turned out to be a massive and beautiful man who lo
