Combustion by Daniel W. Kelly

Author:Daniel W. Kelly [Kelly, Daniel W.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781602828148
Publisher: Bold Strokes Books
Published: 2012-11-01T00:00:00+00:00

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With his car in Otto’s shop, Deck once again found himself crashing indoors for the day, with the exception of having Don chauffeur him to the precinct following a call from Anderson herself demanding he show up. She had actually seemed quite worried about his physical well-being when he’d arrived, demanding he let her accompany him next door to the medical center for a checkup, but he had passed on the offer. He had been more concerned about his emotional well-being, because Anderson showing her caring side made him feel guilty for suspecting her of taking sides in the city’s social wars.

He had, however, made sure that Zims was released without a problem, and he and Don had personally dropped Zims off to stay with a close friend. It had saddened him when the previously arrogant Zims had clutched on to him throughout the entire ride, and then hugged him tightly—almost desperately—for several minutes before saying thank you and good-bye. He had even given Deck his cell phone number with no explanation as to why. Without thinking, Deck had planted a soft, gentle kiss on his forehead, promising to call and check up on him.

Once back in the secluded safety of his room at Weeping Manor, Deck called Maru with a good excuse. Zims had expressed anxiety at not being able to keep the gym running, wishing for some helping hands. Deck thought this could be an opportunity for Maru to make money without dancing. Unfortunately, Deck had to leave a message, and hated himself for wondering what the hell Maru could be so busy doing that he couldn’t answer the phone. He even imagined Maru seeing his name and number on the phone and opting not to answer.

Heavy lids and a heavy heart dragged Deck to dreamland, his exhausted mind wondering why he was feeling so sluggish lately—and fearing it might be a sign he was nearing age forty.

By that evening, Deck was feeling invigorated and alive, just in time to go see Milkman Stan. Hayes had personally called Stan for him. Stan said he’d be thrilled to talk to Deck, but that he was personally showing apartments all day because he was still looking to hire a good real estate agent to do the legwork for him. He invited Deck to stop by his penthouse loft at ten that night.

Otto had promised Deck he would have his car up and running by day’s end with the broken window replaced, and he proved to be a man of his word. Deck was shocked when Jeeves called him downstairs announcing the arrival of Otto and Teddy, who had driven to Weeping Manor together to drop Deck’s car off to him. Naturally, the promise of a future tryst was a topic of conversation, metaphorically built around an offer of Otto doing bodywork on Deck’s car, but tonight, Deck had a date with a dairyman.

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