Page 21 of Jael

When she hurried down the steps, he called out to her. “People do change, you know. It’s been a lot of years.”

She stopped, but only half turned. “You did a lot of growing up in prison, did you?”

“I’m not the same man I was.”

“Good for you. I mean it.” She smiled tightly and then was gone.

“Danny!” Gregory called out as he walked to the door, his arms spread wide in expectation of an embrace. They patted backs and released. “Please come in. I can’t believe you’re here. You were the last person I expected to see today.” He was the same strong and robust man Danny remembered from a decade ago, which was impressive considering he had to be close to eighty by now.

“I should have called,” Danny said.

“No. Don’t be ridiculous. My door is always open for you, and it’s been too long. Can I get you a drink?”

“No. I’m fine, thank you.”

Gregory put a hand on his back and led him down a wide hall. “We’ll sit out on the terrace. It’s a beautiful day. Even better now that you’re here.”

Danny followed him outside, and they sat on wide, padded outdoor chairs near a pool he’d swum in more times than he could count.

He ran his hand along the wooden arm rest. “This is new.”

“We have to update our furniture out here regularly. It gets damaged too quickly by the weather. Now, tell me where you’ve been hiding.”

“Prison.”

Gregory sucked in a breath through gritted teeth. “They finally got you, huh?”

“Unfortunately.”

“That’s tough. You didn’t deserve it.”

“Yes, I did. Although how you maintained your freedom and then stepped out of the underworld is quite a feat.”

Gregory shrugged. “You could have given me up when they arrested you, and you didn’t. It’s because of trustworthy friends like yourself that I’m the man I am today. And I never forget loyalty like that.”

It had nothing to do with loyalty that Danny hadn’t given him up, although he was glad he hadn’t been asked to. Deborah had taken him away from his regular circle. A small mercy she’d now cashed in on. It was like she’d known what was coming.

“You were always like a father to me.”

“I wish you’d told me you were in prison. I would have visited. Or better yet, I have a fantastic lawyer.”

Danny shook his head. “I wouldn’t have liked that. I didn’t want to bring you into it.”

“Well, you’re out now. And you were always a clever boy—man. You’re not a boy anymore. I’m sure you’ll be on top again in no time.”

“You always were way too generous with your compliments. Sounds like some things haven’t changed.”

“I’m not being generous at all. I mean it. I can see it in your eyes. You’ve still got that spark.”

“I hope so. It’s not easy getting back into life in the city.” And he meant it. He’d been in Nairobi for several years with no intention of coming back to America. It was proving difficult to assimilate.

“I had a cousin who spent six years in prison. When he got out, it was like he’d given up on life. Ended up robbing a bank and got himself shot.” Gregory shook his head. “A sad story. But one that won’t be repeated with you.”

“I hope you’re right.”

“I am. I’ll make sure of it. You’ve got too much life left to live. I mean look at you—you’ve just gotten out of prison, but you look better than you ever have.”

“Thank you.”

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