Chapter Ten

                                    

                                          
  After several cups of coffee, a really freezing shower that shocked the alcohol from his system and a pair of black sunglasses to block out the demon sun , Theo was ready to take on the day. For better or worse. Or at least Jasmina Raye. 
He gave his husband a loving kiss and warm hug , whispering in his ear ," I'm sorry about last night. "
He checked on his mother who was sitting on the patio sipping sweet tea , chatting with Saint, Winnie and Matt , and helping to feed her grandson Benji oatmeal ( he tended to be a messy eater ). She seemed quiet but content. Saint was helping Livvie eat her own breakfast and Benji pointed at her, saying," Her baby. Only babies sit in high chair. I'm big boy. I sit in chair. " Livvie blew a oatmeal bubble at him and they all laughed. 
" She'll get there, Benji, precious," Cassandra laughed. 
" Hello , Mother," Theo said as he pressed a tender kiss on her cheek. Cassandra's eyes twinkled at him. She said," Hello, son. How is the hangover? "
Theo swallowed hard. " What hangover, Mother? ," he deflected. He tried to ignore the smirks from his husband and friends. 
Cassandra shook her head. " Just like his father. Malcolm could not hold his drink either. Let me tell you about the time my husband purchased what he thought was a twenty year old bottle of scotch. Oh it was an adventure! " 
While his mother entertained Saint and Winnie with memories of his father, Reed and Theo kissed goodbye and then each kissed Benji on top of his head before heading out. 
Reed and Grace to the police station. 
Theo and Matt in his father's beloved black Corvette to the Phoenix Realty office. It was time to sleuth. 
Or as Matt said laughingly from the passenger seat, the wind blowing through his shaggy red curls , " another death defying adventure of Lucy and Ethel".