Free Endgame by Jeffrey Round

back on the charts again — I’d give anything for that.” The scowl returned to his face. “Still, I’m doing nothing without Harvey here. I want to see his blood spilled on that contract before I’ll play a fucking note.”
    â€œYeah, me too.” Spike looked carefully over at Max. “Still, I’ve learned to show a little gratitude along the way. How ’bout you?”
    Max shrugged and took another toke. “’Course I have! I learned a thing or two over the years. I’m not a total twat.” He held onto the smoke before exhaling again. “Just mostly.”
    Spike sighed. “You know, I always meant to call you. After the breakup, I mean.”
    â€œSo why didn’t you?”
    â€œI stayed pretty pissed about everything for a long time …”
    â€œWe were both angry.”
    â€œâ€” especially the money thing with Harvey, though we always said we weren’t in it for the money. Why didn’t you call me?”
    â€œSame reason. Anger. Back then, anyway. It’s mostly just a posture now. Something to keep my mind occupied so I don’t go crazy.”
    Spike listened carefully to Max’s words, the tone of voice. They were pretty much the same things he’d thought himself over the last few years. But could he trust Max? Not likely.
    â€œSo then we’re both a couple of twats,” Spike said at last.
    Max nodded. “Yeah — probably. Though I still think Harvey’s the real villain here.”
    â€œI agree a hundred percent,” Spike said, nodding. He paused. “Do you ever think about …?”
    â€œWhat?”
    Spike shrugged. “You know … that girl.”
    Max took another toke and turned away. “I try not to. It was a long time ago. What good would it do to think about it now?”
    â€œNo remorse then? Nothing?”
    Max scowled. “Nah. No regrets. What’s the point?”
    â€œYou’re right.” Spike took a final toke and ground the roach out under his feet. He stood. “I gotta piss. I’ll see you inside.”
    Max sat looking out at the water for a few minutes, feeling the smoke loosen him up inside. The truth was, he thought about the girl more than he liked to admit. It was as though she lived inside him now, long after her death. He’d dreamed of her several times over the years and woke in a sweat, trying to get away from her before anybody could pin it on him.
    That’s just bullshit , he thought. Fucking ghost story is what it is .
    He was about to go back inside when he heard something crashing in the bushes behind the building. He stood and looked off into the dense brush. Everything lay in deep shadow. The wind stirred in the upper branches like a miniature fury.
    He turned the corner and went to investigate.

Chapter 10
    W hen Spike got back to the dining room, he found a plate of wobbly custard at his place at the table. He sat with a goofy grin and picked up a spoon.
    â€œWhat the hell’s this? Some kind of goodies for Spike?”
    â€œWe know you still like your sticky, sugary treats, Spike. Don’t deny it,” Janice told him.
    â€œHell no. I’m not denying it,” he said, baring his teeth. “I’m going to gobble it all up, just like the Big Bad Wolf. Grrr!”
    Just then David returned and sat. He took a bite of dessert then stopped and looked around the table. “I’ve lost my cellphone,” he said. “If anybody sees it, it’s blue. It’s important, so please let me know.”
    â€œDo you need to make a call?” Noni asked. “I’ve got mine right here, if you need it.”
    â€œNo, no — it’s just incoming calls I’m worried about. But thanks.”
    â€œAny time.”
    â€œSpeaking of,” Verna said to the table at large. “Are there phones anywhere in this place? There were none in the rooms.”
    â€œI noticed that,