Chapter 78

Tyche said, “I don’t know where Murray was hiding ... but as soon as ‘banana split’ was spoken, he was by the door.”

And sure enough ... there sat Murray the Bengal ... and Silver, his ... whatever they call a cat’s wife. Very unusual cat, is Murray.

“Where’s the kids?” I asked.

“They went with JW,” Tyche said.

“How did they ... umh ... Junior,” I said. Figured that one out by my self.

“Middle of the night,” the tyke said, “If I had known we were going, I’d have had them leave me here.”

“Alan ... call your ex and see if she’ll let the boys go to Ludington for ice cream,” I said.

“You really want them to go?” Alan asked.

“I’ll buy,” I said.

“Surprise ... they’re boys ... you could be talking big money here,” Alan said.

“I didn’t say I’d feed ‘em ... If we’re going to eat before we go, we’ll go to the Antler.” I buy local when I can. I have civic pride. I order ... well ... Maria does ... but only after I explained about buying local and keeping the economy going. We order wood and tools from the hardware store.

“The Antler!” said Tyche, “I’ll spring for my own.” She looked at Murray, “Yes Murray ... you can go too.” Tyche can talk to Murray ... he has to translate for Silver. He did ... she perked up. The Antler it is ... by popular acclaim.