At the sound of heavy footsteps on the small back porch, Ike snapped awake. For an instant, he was disoriented, unsure where he was. Then he realized he’d fallen asleep at the kitchen table in Perry’s house. When Perry didn’t get home at the expected time, he’d been unable to sleep. He’d ended up back in the kitchen about four o’clock. Somehow, he had finally dozed off. While he napped, darkness had given way to daybreak.
The steps were Perry’s. The deputy stumbled into the room, weariness etched in his face and posture.
“Told you not to wait up,” he said, a growl in his tone.
Ike nodded but didn’t reply. After a moment, he offered an indirect response. “Made coffee about two, three hours ago. It should still be warm.”
Perry unbuckled his gear belt and hung it on a hook by the door. Ba
