He slouched a little and kept his eyes on the ground. “You’ll never guess who I ran into, Chief.” Jim was grinning from ear to ear and looking pleased with himself. “I have no idea, but I’m sure you’ll tell me.” Gracie’s first impression of Jim’s companion didn’t warrant a smile. “This is Joe Youngers. You know, from high school. He was a year ahead of us. You remember him on the wrestling team.” Gracie looked closely at the man. He did look vaguely familiar. “Joe. Really? How are you?” From what she could remember, Joe had been a troublemaker in high school and had continued his bad behavior into adulthood. “Hey, I’m doin’ OK. I’ve had some tough times, but I’m gettin’ myself straightened around.” “Glad to hear that. So where are you living these days?” “I’m staying with my grandmother, Bea Youngers.
