There wasn’t a cloud in the sky and not even a hint of a breeze. It was warm. The whole day smelled like roses. If there were such a thing as an omen, then I guess the day breaking open like that was it for me. I called Ashton, and we arranged to meet at the coffee shop and then go for breakfast. I showered and headed out. But Vic and Jerry were waiting for me on the porch. They stood there mute as statues. I couldn’t see their eyes behind their mirrored shades. All Vic did was extend an arm and indicate that I should walk ahead of them to the limo that sat at the curb, its tinted windows giving no hint as to who was inside. Jerry reached around me and opened the back door. I looked inside. Hardy was sitting there with Ashton, who looked pale and very nervous. “What’s this?” I asked. “Insurance,” Hardy said and smiled. “Against what?” “Me gettin’ the friggin’ blues, Cree.” “I got you on a good horse.” “That’s what buddy boy is here to ensure. The boys will sit on him until we see what goes down.”
