Free Marja McGraw - Bogey Man 04 - Awkward Moments by Marja McGraw Page B

“Is he always like this? What’s he ticked off at me for?”
    “ It’s not you. He’s only like this when Mikey might be in danger, or when dead bodies turn up unexpectedly.” I smiled, hoping he’d understand I was joking about the dead bodies. Mikey was another matter.
    He smiled in return. “My brother is an unusual man. I think the fact that he resembles Humphrey Bogart has had an impact on him and his life.”
    I laughed wholeheartedly. “Ya think?”
    Bill looked embarrassed. “I only meant – ”
    “I know what you meant, and I didn’t mean to embarrass you. I live and work with the Bogey Man on a daily basis and I’m used to his mannerisms and antics. It might interest you to know that the customers at our restaurant love Chris. We’ve got regulars who come in because they enjoy the food, but more than that, they adore Chris and the atmosphere. Did Chris tell you that two of our waitresses look like Marilyn Monroe and a Myrna Loy? And we have a waiter who resembles George Raft. Our other waitress doesn’t look like anyone famous, but she dresses the part, 1940s style.
    “People take to Chris everywhere we go. In some cases I think it’s because he reminds them of a more romantic era. He embraces Bogart’s persona and uses it to his advantage because people love it. And so does he.”
    “You call him the Bogey Man?”
    “It’s a term of endearment.”
    Bill scratched his chin. “My brother means a lot to you, doesn’t he?”
    “He’s the best thing that ever happened to me , but I’d never tell him. It would go to his head.” I grinned, knowing Chris knew exactly how I felt. “He’s been good for Mikey, too. That child adores your brother.”
    “I noticed Ace imitates Chris. Is that a good thing?”
    “You bet it is. Chris is honest, he has integrity, and he’s fun. He brightens our day, every day.” I was getting carried away, but it was all true. Chris was no saint, but he was ours and I wouldn’t change a thing about him.
    Creak, bang!
    Chris was back. “What’s going on in here? What are you two jawin’ about?”
    “You, Bogey Man. I think you and your brother need to become reacquainted with each other. You’ve spent too many years going in different directions. Jimmy said, and I quote, ‘Don’t any of you leave town,’ so this is the perfect time for a mini family reunion. I just wish I had a sister or brother to turn to from time to time.”
    Chris and Bill studied each other for a moment before Bill held out his hand in a gesture of brotherly love, or maybe friendship. Maybe both. Chris shook hands with him.
    “Chris, do you really think Mikey could be in danger?” I asked.
    “I hope not, but these people really want that gold.”
    I walked to the window and watched our son. The dogs were right next to him, and that made me feel better. They’d never let anyone bother Mikey.
    “What about old Henry’s nephew?” Bill asked. “Won’t he feel like he has a right to the gold and silver?”
    Chris tipped his head to the side and shrugged his shoulders. “He’s read the will, but he didn’t say anything about the contents. We’ll have to wait and see. I guess he could get an attorney and fight it. He didn’t act too concerned about it though. I got the feeling he’s happy doing exactly what he wants in that grocery store of his.”
    “Gold, silver and a bunch of lunatics. How much worse could it get?” Bill sat down and rubbed his eyes and face before leaning back and loudly sighing.
    Experience told me things could get a lot worse if we weren’t careful.

 
     
     
     
     
     
     
    Chapter Fourteen
     
    Chris and Bill decided to check the yard to see how much damage last night’s visitors had done. Bill wanted to see how many holes had been dug. Mikey lagged behind.
    “Mom, what does Ace mean? I know Dad calls me that all the time, but I’m not sure what it means. I like it though.”
    “Well, if something is really, really good, like high quality,