CHAPTER FIVEJesse saved enough money in his first six months at the newspaper to afford his own apartment. He found a one-bed-room for $95 a month in the West Central historic neighborhood near the newspaper and the city center. It was within his budget. He was making $130 a week, plus overtime for covering cops on weekends, not terrible for his age and experience.
The first time Jesse walked in the front door of 1114 West Wayne Street was like meeting a stranger he knew would become a good friend. The two-story brick Italianate building had five units in the main house and two in the carriage house. It had a communal feel. Doors were left open. He heard rock music and smelled the faint aroma of m*******a from the apartment at the top of the stairs.
Jesse paid his first month’s rent and
