Chapter 156. Secret Research

“Oh wow, Andrew you look—”

“Handsome?” he asked, as he drew back the cane seat and joined Annette at the table on her porch.

He’d driven to the city to follow up on a couple of contacts and hearing that she had the day off, he decided to visit. He had given her a very special task for her to perform.

“I was going to say Sun-burnt but definitely healthier than the last time I saw you.” She smiled at him as she stirred some creamer into her coffee. “You even have a little beard. Wherever you chose to take your vacation, it’s really good for you.”

“Oh really? Mind if I have some of that?” He pointed at the toast on the table.

Last night, Elaine had given him a proper meal, just like the one she gave Pops. Not scraps. Not left overs. A full hot meal and she’d given him a blanket when he stayed on the couch to sleep in the living room, another place where the heater did not reach. But they were still not on speaking terms. This morning, he’d left the house w