Chapter 84

07:19:33.

Alex had put a small computer on top of a chest of drawers across the room. The screensaver was a clock that displayed the time at random places around the screen every few seconds.

Don't wanna wake Jessica, need to go ahead and get up though.

His sleep patterns were more normal these days but still erratic on occasion. He got into a sitting position and swung his feet to the floor, stood up. He found his cane and went into the kitchen.

Might as well make some coffee. I probably woke Jessica up but she didn't let on, don't want me to be upset.

He put a Folgers Black Silk pod in the Keurig and filled the tank, pushed the top button.

Black coffee's honest. Hot, bitter, don't really taste that good but wakes you up. Why the hell people put stuff in it so it's barely coffee any more.

He took the cup and went to the patio doors at the back of the house. The sky was beginning to lighten. Before he finished the cup he sensed Jessica's presence before she spoke.

"Morning."

She put her hands around his waist and kissed his cheek.

"Morning," Alex replied. "I put a new pod in. Just press play."

Dunno what that means but I must have picked it up somewhere. Ever gonna have my mind in one piece again?

Jessica went into the kitchen and returned a few minutes later.

"Want another cup?"

"Nah, not just now.

"I put a new pod in - it's ready when you are.

"Thanks."

He kissed her lightly and she put her arm around him, leaning slightly against him.

"Everything all right," he asked.

"I'm good," Jessica replied. "I had a bad dream. You were tied up in that hospital and I was arguing with the doctor and a couple of guys came in and were dragging me away and I woke up... I'll be glad when this is over."

"Me too. What's on for today?"

"I need to call this guy," Jessica replied. "Laura recommended him for moving your stuff. We need to put it somewhere."

"There should be room out at the farm," said Alex. "There should be room in one of the shops."

"I believe so. Or would you rather put it in a storage place?"

"That might be easier."

"Let's find a place," Jessica said, "and we can just have them put everything there."

"Sounds good. Want to do that today?"

"Sure, it shouldn't take long. You and Myles talked about going to visit Scott and do some shooting. This would be a good time to get that in."

"Yeah, why don't you call Michelle and set something up. I'm still not good with conversing."

"I can do that. Want another cup of coffee?"

"Yeah. Let me get a smoke."