Page 11 of Rules of Engagement

“It’s a contributing factor.”

She walks around to the counter, takes a business card, flips it over, and writes on the back. “I'll speak to Ms. Jenkins. If she agrees, I'll work out the details for Tipper to join you. Maybe not every day, but three times a week. Give me a call in a couple of days.”

“Excellent. Thanks, Desi.”

“No problem.” She hands the card to me. “I’m glad you're home in one magnificent piece.”

“I have my boy to thank for that.”

“You know, I’m a sucker for war stories.” She tilts her head and raises her eyebrows.

“There are several to tell.”

“How about knocking a few beers back with me Friday night at Hooligan’s Bar? Say nine?”

I hesitate, and she laughs. “Bring Jorja. But if she turns you down? Well, I won’t.”

I snap my fingers and walk to the door, then pause and look back, grinning, “See you there.”

At the truck, my phone rings. I load Lucifer as I answer, “Sup?”

“Jocko?”

“Yes, ma’am.”

“This is Sidney Malone, Gray’s wife. Betsy gave me your number. I hope you don’t mind my calling.”

“Hi, Sidney. Of course, not. I’m looking forward to meeting you. What’s up?”

“Likewise. Listen, I have an idea I would like to run by you.”

“Sure. Shoot.” I crank the truck and pull out of Doggy Style, turning toward Willow Bend Street. When Sidney tells me what her idea is, I can’t believe how perfect it is. “Oh, absolutely! I am all in,” I inform her.

“Excellent! I'll set it up.”

On the way, I get a group text from Aunt Betsy. She's included all the brothers and their wives.

Welcome Home party for Jocko tonight at 7.

I smile. It is good to be home.

* * *

When I pull into the vacant house next to Jorja’s, Maxine is already there. She greets me at the door and walks me through the layout. It has three bedrooms and two baths. The kitchen is small, but the living room is large.

Lucifer wanders around, sniffing everything. But when we walk out onto the back porch, he bounds out into the big yard. I take the handball out of my pocket and throw it for him. He takes off after it at top speed.

Maxine stops chatting about all the benefits of this ‘beauty’ and asks, “Do you regret not following a career in baseball?”

I’m surprised by her question. It’s so... unimportant. I look at her as if she is an alien. She laughs, uncomfortable, and slightly embarrassed.

“No,” I answer, honestly.

Lucifer returns with the ball, so I toss it up. He jumps, snatching it out of the air, then hands it back to me to throw or toss again.

As I rear back to launch the ball long, she asks, “Do you know who your next-door neighbor is?”

I grin as I release it, then turn to look her dead in the eye. “Yes, I do.”

She smiles as if I have given her a juicy tidbit of gossip, and I guess I have.

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