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of a few men. Mary smiled. “I like the way you think.”
     
     
     
    Max waited until shortly after five o’clock before he wandered into Grayson Construction. He’d seen Kevin’s pickup out front when he’d parked, along with a few other vehicles. The parking lot was now empty except for Kevin’s truck. Perfect. Max wanted to be alone with Kevin while they talked.
    He heard Kevin’s voice on the telephone when he walked through the front door. Following the sound of the voice, he found his old friend in a small office at the back of the building. He leaned on the doorway and blatantly listened to Kevin’s conversation. From the exasperated look on his college chum’s face, he guessed that Kevin wasn’t happy.
    “So go without me. Your mother will be happier if I’m not there anyway.”
    Ah. Must be talking to the little woman.
    “I don’t know when I’ll be home. It should be soon. I just have a couple more things to finish up here…Okay, okay. I will…Yeah, me too.”
    Kevin jabbed his fingers through his hair. “Stupid mother-in-law,” he muttered as he hung up the phone.
    “Problems?” Max asked.
    Kevin jerked his head in Max’s direction. His eyes widened before a huge grin spread over his face. “Maxwell Hennessey. What the hell are you doing here?”
    Max shrugged. “Thought I’d pop in and see an old friend.”
    Kevin rounded the desk and pulled Max into a bear hug. “It’s great to see you, man.” He gestured toward the chair in front of the desk. “Sit down, sit down. You want a Coke or something?”
    “Thanks, I’m fine. But it didn’t sound like you are. Trouble at home?”
    “Nah. I’m not exactly best friends with my mother-in-law, that’s all. My wife’s wonderful. I don’t know how she came from such a bitchy woman.” Kevin leaned back in his chair. “You married, Max?”
    “Nope. Never made it down the aisle.”
    “I’ve been married for twelve years. Got three kids.” He grinned devilishly. “Had a hell of a lot of fun making them, too.”
    Max laughed along with his old friend. He’d forgotten how easily Kevin always made him laugh.
    “Seriously, what are you doing in Fort Worth?”
    “Looking for work. I’ve had some…bad luck with some of my investments.”
    Kevin clasped his hands behind his head. “How are you with a hammer and nails?”
    “Great. I did a lot of carpentry work when I got out of college.”
    “I just got a remodeling job today. Big Victorian. The owner wants it completely renovated. If you want work, I got it.”
    “Hey, man, I didn’t come here begging for a job from you. I just wanted to say hi to an old friend.”
    “You didn’t beg, I offered. You want it or not?”
    “Yeah, I want it. I’m not too proud to accept a job from a friend.”
    “Be here Monday morning at seven.”
    “I will.” Max stood and offered his hand to Kevin. “Thanks, man.”
    Kevin also stood and accepted Max’s handshake. “No problem. I wish I could talk longer with you, but I gotta get home. How about if I buy you a beer after work Monday?”
    “Deal.”
    Max kept his face composed until he slid inside his rental car. Once safely hidden by the tinted glass, he smiled.
    Damn, I’m good.

 
Five
     
    M ax laid down his hammer and leaned his head back to try and relax the stiff muscles in his neck. He’d forgotten how hard construction work could be on the body. Max worked out regularly and figured he was in pretty good shape for forty. A weight machine couldn’t compare to three straight days of manual labor.
    He had to admit he liked the physical workout, and he liked the room’s results because of that workout. Kevin had put him in the kitchen. He said the owner wanted this room completely gutted and modernized. That didn’t surprise Max. Karessa had always loved to cook and liked all the newest gadgets. She wanted convenience, but still wanted the kitchen to have an early 1900s appearance. Thanks to the pictures and drawings supplied by