CHAPTER SIX HUNDRED and THIRTY-FOUR

(part five)

Tuesday early morning — 3:05 p.m.

Jeraine came up the dark basement stairs. In his life, he’d spent so much time in the night. In the height of his fame, he only woke up at dusk and was up all night. The night was his friend, if not the compatriot to all of his “crimes.”

He smiled at that idea.

He was on his way to the kitchen to make a travel mug of tea to give to Tanesha when he picked her up from the hospital. Tonight, she was helping out the night crew at Denver Health. Fin stayed home so Jabari went to sleep in Maggie’s room in Honey’s apartment. Jeraine was tasked with picking her up.

He saw golden light coming from the main Castle living room. Everyone knew that Valerie and Mike were often up all hours of the night. He coughed so that, if they were up to something, they’d know that he was there.

“Hey,” Jeraine heard Jacob’s voice coming from the couch.

He went through the living room to turn on the electric kettle, and then circled back to Jacob.

“How’s it going?” Jeraine asked.

“Good,” Jacob said.

There was a roaring fire in the fireplace.

“What are you doing here?” Jeraine asked when Jacob didn’t say anything else.

“Oh,” Jacob said with a grin. “I figured you were on your way somewhere.”

“I have to go pick up Miss T but you know, I always have time for you,” Jeraine said.

Jacob grinned.

“Let’s see, what am I doing here?” Jacob asked. “I’m not sure. I just got back from the hospital.”

“Oh?” Jeraine asked.

“Valerie had a girl,” Jacob said, raising his eyebrows.

Jeraine smacked his head with the palm of his hand.

“I knew that,” Jeraine said. “What’s her name?”

“They aren’t telling anyone,” Jacob said.

“That’s so Hollywood,” Jeraine said.

“Actually, I don’t think they know,” Jacob said with a chuckle. “Mother and baby are doing well. Mike’s eating cereal.”

“All is well,” Jeraine said with a grin. “How come you’re not eating cereal?”

“I was going to, but I just. . .” Jacob looked at Jeraine. “I’m wiped out.”

“Let me,” Jeraine said. “I have to make Miss T’s tea anyway.”

Denver Cereal continues tomorrow...