For the first time in forever, I am sharing an excerpt from my work in progress. That’s because my W is finally IP again. Here’s something I wrote recently. In this scene, we learn yet again how Harry’s love for coffee is exceeded only by his love for Dee. Well, and some other, more case-related, things. Hope you enjoy it.

I was long gone before the pill even kicked in, or even before Dee got in, but I figure it probably contributed to sleeping a solid ten hours. Probably would have slept longer, but I started having dreams of waterfalls and burst pipes, only to wake up and get to the toilet with about half a second to spare. I deflated, my knees buckling slightly as the shiver-me-timbers hit. Finally empty, I washed my hands and followed the scent of coffee out into the apartment. As I expected, I found my beloved bride sitting at the dining table, steaming mug in hand. As I did not expect, my best friend was sitting across from her, his own steaming mug in hand. Much to my dismay, the pot was empty.

“You’re making time with my best girl, and you drank the last of the coffee? What’s next? You planning to steal my dog when you leave?”

Eddie, dead asleep on the couch kicked his back legs a couple times I response. Probably chasing his arch enemy, the dreaded squirrel. Dee playfully kicked at me with her slippered foot. “First of all, I better be you’re only girl. And second, it’s ready to brew. We were just waiting until you got up to start it.”

I hit the brew button and flopped into the chair to Otis’ left and Dee’s right, burying my face in my arms.

Dee rubbed my shoulder. “You feeling better, love?”

I didn’t lift my head. “No talk. Coffee.”

She slid her mug toward me. “Have a sip of mine to hold you over.”

It was life-giving, if a little on the cool side. Of course, my idea of hot enough coffee is just below steam. The sip was enough to start my brain a bit, so I turned to Otis. “What are you doing here? Nice suit, by the way.”

He straightened his tie and pulled on his collar, which caused his tie to be crooked again. “It feels like I may literally slit my own throat with this collar. I hate ties.”

Dee straightened his tie again and patted his cheek. “You’ll get used to it. And we’ll find shirts that actually fit you tonight.”

The coffee was ready enough to pour a cup, so I did, taking a sip immediately. I knew it was psychological, but I still felt the power coursing through me. I gave Dee a long kiss and smacked Otis hard on the back.

Dee positively vibrated. “Thank you, Mister Man.”

Otis stretched his back. “Yeah, thanks a lot. So anyway, it didn’t take long to dig up some dirt on your friend.” He tapped on his phone a few times. “Actually, on his wife, to be more accurate. Guess what her grandma’s surname was.”

“Clingerton?”

“Bingo.”

Dee plopped her cup onto the table and stared at me, her eyebrows knit and her lips pursed. “How? Just, how?”

“I couldn’t imagine any other name that made sense under the circumstances, so I went with it.”