Chapter 2The house phone buzzed. Jim wiped his eyes on the huge white apron he wore over his jeans and button down shirt. He crossed the kitchen to pick up. “Kitchen,” he said with forced cheer. “Hi, Master. I’m glad you called; we have something for you down here. Okay, I’ll bring it up…Brian too?” Jim turned to Brian and mouthed, “Papa Bear wants you to come.” Brian nodded. “Okay, two minutes.” Jim removed the apron and folded it neatly on the counter.
Jim pasted on a false smile as he picked up the cake plate. “Maybe I’m upset about nothing. Maybe he just went to dinner with an old friend, got zonked, and stayed the night.”
“Maybe,” Brian said, although from the look on his face he didn’t believe it.
Jim and Brian took the elevator up to the third floor where he and Reed had their ap
