Through Smoke: The Troubled Heroes Series Read Online Free PDF Page A

couch.
    “Caught up on some sleep. Watched some TV. Went for a walk earlier.  Nothing for you to worry about.” His tone was defensive but Michael ignored it. “Have any heroic saves today Mr. All American?”
    Michael adjusted his baseball cap and let his body sink down into the cushions as he stared up at the ceiling.  “Yeah, Spiderman took a day off so I had to step in and cover for him.” He went to the fridge and grabbed a beer.  “There’s no need to be a smart ass about stuff. I was just making small talk.”
    “More like interrogating me.”
    Michael scoffed and slammed the beer on the table, causing some of it to spew down the neck of the bottle. “You being defensive like this makes me a little suspicious. At first I thought nothing of it.”
    Casey didn’t take his eyes off of the TV. “Well big bro, I’ve been dealing with people not trusting me for awhile, excuse me if I do get a little defensive.”
    Michael stood up and began to walk to his room, but turned around in mid step.  Pointing his finger at Casey, he let his temper overtake his emotions. “Well, it’s your own damn fault why people are that way with you.  You gotta earn that trust back, don’t think we’re just gonna forget about all the shit you did in the past.”  He knew he probably should have left it alone but he couldn’t help it.  “I hope you get your shit together, the sooner you get outta here the better.”  He slammed the door behind him, leaning against it to calm down.  He was almost mad enough to kick him out at that moment. 
     
     
    For a split second Casey felt guilty. Here he was, picking a fight with Michael, and he really did go behind his back and lie to him.  Hopefully he would never find out that he had Viper over at his place. If things went well with the bet he would be gone soon anyway.  He owed his bookie over four thousand dollars. The bet he had just made was ten grand.  He couldn’t believe he was making such a steep deal, but he was certain it was a guarantee.  The Yankees always beat the Mets.  This next series between the two wouldn’t be any different.  If he could pull it off the money would pay what he owed and then some and he could be out of Michael’s hair. 
    On the other hand, if it fell through, Viper would for sure be after him.  He had led him to the only safe place he had to go and he didn’t want to get Michael involved.  He had to win the bet. There was no other answer.
    Casey flipped through the channels, debating on whether or not he needed to apologize.  Walking down the hall, he paused at Michael’s door and tapped his knuckles against the wood.  “Hey Mikey?”
    “Yeah?”
    “Can you open the door, man, I wanna talk to you?”
    Casey heard footsteps and what sounded like the knob unlocking. Mikey had changed out of his work clothes.  “What? I don’t wanna fight.”
    “I just wanted to say I was sorry. Here you are helping me out and I’m being an asshole.” He stuck his hand out for them to shake.  “Pals?”
    Michael hesitated but gripped Casey’s hand tightly. “Next time, if I’m interrogating you, believe me you’ll know.” His grasp on Casey’s hand was so strong that he found a hard time hiding his grimace. 
    He pulled away and let out an uneasy laugh. “Damn, you almost broke my hand.” He shook his hand down at his side to relieve some of the pain as he looked toward the kitchen. “You hungry? I think I might cook something.”
    “If I was hungry before I sure as hell ain’t now.” Michael came out of his room and walked down the hall.
    “What the hell does that mean?” Casey knew he was kidding so he had to play along to lighten the mood. At least they weren’t having a shouting match.
    “I’ve seen you cook. I think we’re better off ordering a pizza.”
    Michael woke up that morning around nine thirty.  The TV was blaring and he grimaced as he kicked his legs over the side of the bed.  He wasn’t ready to get up