With Good Behavior Read Online Free PDF Page B

get out the words  I love you too , although they were certainly true. Love for his uncle was what landed him in prison in the first place.
    “Just don’t cut me out of your life again, okay?” Joe was the one pleading now.
    Grant took a deep breath. He would not have to abide by his father’s rules now that he was out of prison. He no longer needed his father’s protection. “Okay.”
    “You’re the only family I’ve got.”
    His nephew silently agreed. Joe was the only family who mattered to him, the only family with his best interests at heart. His father, brother, uncle, and cousin only looked out for themselves, desperately craving more and more power and dragging down anyone who stood in their way. Grant could not get away from them fast enough.
    “So.” Joe smiled faintly, trying to lighten the mood. “I don’t suppose you’ve found a place to live yet?”
    “No, sir.”
    “Or a job?”
    Grant shrugged. “Haven’t found that either.”
    “C’mon, I know a guy who maybe can help with both.”
    Joe stepped to the curb and hailed a taxi. As they passed the Wrigley Building, Grant remembered the excitement of his first cab ride to Michigan Avenue for a shopping trip with his mother and brother. He must have been only five or so, and he’d clutched his mother’s hand while gawking at the tall, elegant buildings. It felt wrong to be back in the city without his mother by his side.
    When they arrived at the docks of the Chicago River near Navy Pier, Grant curiously stepped out of the cab, shielding his eyes from the glare of the sunlight off the water.
    Joe headed for one of the ships docked by the pier, and Grant read the clapboard sign sitting on shore:
    Book Your Architectural Cruise Here!
    Cruises Depart Daily at 1:00, 3:00, 5:00, and 7:00
    “Roger!” Joe called out, tentatively stepping onto the gunwale of the ship and looking naturally at home in his khaki Navy uniform. “Yo, Rog!” he bellowed again, this time producing a short, rotund man from the ship’s interior.
    “Son of a bitch!” the bald man cried, breaking into a huge grin. Joe hopped down onto the deck and they grabbed each other in a bear hug, slapping each other’s backs fondly.
    “Christ, Rog,” Joe laughed, glancing at the man’s sizable belly. “You been eating deep dish pizza every day or what?”
    “I’m missing your goddamn PT every morning, you asshole. You’re a commander now, huh? A fucking XO? The big cheese is here! So, what in the hell you doing in Chicago, sir?”
    Still chuckling, Joe glanced up to find Grant carefully watching them from the pier. “I’m here to visit my nephew. Hey, Grant, come down here. I want to introduce you to a friend.”
    Grant hopped onto the deck with one smooth motion, clearly at ease on the watercraft as well.
    Joe nodded toward the shorter man. “This is Roger Eaton, former ensign serving with me at Great Lakes.” He then draped his arm protectively across Grant’s shoulders. “And this is my nephew Grant, former lieutenant at Great Lakes.”
    “Oh fuck, you both outrank me then.” Roger grinned, his hazel eyes twinkling. “At least you were smart enough to get out of the Navy, unlike the commander here,” he added, looking up at Grant.
    Grant gave a plastic smile. His exit from the Navy had hardly been voluntary.
    “So,” Joe began, feeling his nephew bristle beside him. “Grant needs a job. I was wondering if you could use a capable assistant on board?”
    “Hmm …” Roger scratched his chin. “Well, I just hired a few guys, but I’m sure I’ll need more help with the season about to start. Anything for you, Joe.”
    Joe removed his arm from his nephew’s shoulders and reached out to shake Roger’s hand, pumping vigorously. “I knew I could count on you. I have to return to Norfolk tomorrow. Is there any way Grant could sack out at your place until he finds an apartment of his own?”
    Grant watched the interaction with amazement. His uncle was