Page 130 of Devil and the Deep Blue Fish

Jackson: You would have bailed me out. That’s what you do.

Ellery: Bailed you out fromwhatexactly? What were you doing that you absolutely positively have to be home when we’re questioned tomorrow?

Jackson: Heh heh heh heh heh

The Duplex off Elvas:

Jade: What the fuck were you doing out there? Do you think you’re above the law now?

Mike: Aren’t you happy I was burning my hat?

Jade: ….

Mike: Sweetheart?

Jade: Yeah, sort of—but are you crazy?

Mike: Certifiable. Wanna hear how good Jackson is with a power tool? Henry too! I was impressed!

At the Tiny House in Midtown:

John: Galen! Ouch!

Galen: Does that hurt?

John: Yes! Ouch! Would you stop hitting me with your cane?

Galen:No!

At the apartment complex that also houses the flophouse:

Henry: Lance, I’m back!

Lance: You never left.

Henry: I’m sorry?

Lance: There’s going to be cops here tomorrow—you never left.

Henry: Okay, I never left. Want to hear what I never did when I never left?

Lance:I don’t even want to know you never left!

Henry: Okay, okay, okay—I’ll tell you tomorrow.

And Back on American River Drive:

Ellery sighed, realizing his harangue of Jackson’s recklessness was falling on deaf ears. With a sigh he collapsed on the couch and took a gulp of wine, patting the seat next to him.

“Fine,” he muttered. “Fine. You’re proud of yourself. Do you feel better now?”

“Yeah,” Jackson said with a sigh, leaning against him. “Definitely.”

“You can’t go out and commit acts of vandalism and destruction of property every time you get pissed in the next four years. You know that, right?”

“Yeah,” Jackson murmured, leaning his head against Ellery’s shoulder with such profound weariness. “But… you know….”

“Yeah,” Ellery said, getting it. “Sometimes, you gotta howl at the moon.”

---