Second Story Men

Chapter 1 Myles looked at his husband over the top of the newspaper. When Amery caught his glance and c****d his head in question, Myles handed him the paper, tapping the item he’d been reading in the Sunday society column. Amery’s expression brightened with anticipation as he scanned it. “Very nice. The question is, will they keep it at their house, or stick it in a safety deposit box except when she’s going to show it off at some social event?” “Oh, probably at their bank, unfortunately. So we’d better watch the society pages to find out which gala they’ll be attending next.” “And check out their home in the meantime. For sure, after the gala they won’t be able to get it back to the bank until the following Monday, if that is what they do with it.” Myles nodded in agreement. “Tonight?” “As far as casing the place? You bet. We won’t go in until we know both of them are gone.” “Duh.” Myles rolled his eyes. Amery laughed. “Yeah, obvious statement. Let’s take a look at a map site, to see what we’ll be dealing with initially.” Myles booted up the computer when they got to their office, went online, and input the address they needed into the map site. Bringing up the world view, in 3D, he zoomed in on the house. “Aren’t we the lucky ones,” Amery said, tapping the screen. “The Newells’ house has a fully roofed patio across the back. That’ll make for easier access when the time comes.” “And the yard is fairly well concealed from nosey neighbors by all the trees. When will people learn that’s not their smartest move?” “Hopefully never,” Amery replied with a wink. “There’s nice high wall around the back yard, although getting over it might be a problem, unless…” He pointed to several tall pines at each end of the wall. “They’re asking to be burglarized. Of course they undoubtedly have security up the wazoo.” “I’m sure. There’s stupid, and stupid. We can watch the front of the house from the parkway down the center of the avenue.” “Yep.” Amery checked the time. “You’d better get ready for work.” “Slave driver,” Myles grumbled. He ceded his seat to Amery and headed upstairs to their bedroom. It was at the rear of the second floor, right off the landing—which had a railing opposite the stairs giving a view of the dining room below. Windows in the ceiling, and the exterior-facing one at the end of the bedroom, gave it and the en suite bathroom a light airy feel. Myles changed from his sweats into slacks and a light blue shirt, checked his hair, and then got his wallet and keys from the dresser, putting them into his pockets. When he got downstairs, Amery was shutting down the computer. “I’ll see you when I get back,” Myles said, giving his husband a hug. Amery grinned. “I might even have dinner ready.” Myles harrumphed. “You’d better. You know how I get after putting in eight hours selling electronics to the uninformed on Sundays. A day when I’d much rather be home with you.” “Grumpy and starving. Duly noted.” Amery swatted his ass and kissed him seconds later, getting one in return. “Love you.” “Love you more,” Myles replied with a wink before heading out through the living room door, crossing the back yard to the garage to get his car.