The Butcher Read Online Free

another piece of Matt’s personal success puzzle. Home sweet home .
    His utility van pulled up beside the curb and Matt turned to see Jason and PJ laughing about something.
    â€œNot too shabby, buddy,” PJ Wu said, stepping out of the van and snapping his gum. It was an irritating sound, and Matt could see the wad of pink rolling around on his friend’s tongue. Stepping onto the grass, PJ clapped Matt on the shoulder with a grin. The two looked up at the house together. “Jase said this was a gorgeous place, but I didn’t realize it was so damned huge. What are you going to do with all this space?” Snapping his gum one last time, PJ hawked, and the gum flew out of his mouth and landed on the grass.
    Matt frowned. The sight of that bright pink wad of chewing gum resting on top of his perfectly manicured green lawn was ugly. “Seriously?” he said, not bothering to hide his annoyance. “Don’t you have any manners? Pick that shit up.”
    â€œWhat?”
    â€œDon’t spit your goddamn gum out on my grass. I said pick it up.”
    PJ blinked and took a step back. “Dude. Chill.” He bent down and picked up the gum, holding it gingerly between his thumb and forefinger even though it was his own. Turning, he flicked it into the sewer grate beside the curb. “It’s just gum. You can ask nicely.”
    â€œI don’t have to ask nicely. I shouldn’t have to ask at all.”
    â€œHey.” PJ’s dark eyes furrowed. “Don’t talk to me like that. I’m not working for you today. Shit, dude, I’m here as a friend, not your employee. I’m helping you out, remember.”
    Matt snorted. “Helping me out is what friends do. Cooking at my restaurant is what I pay you to do. Spitting your nasty-ass gum on my clean lawn is what assholes do.”
    â€œDid you just call me an asshole? Are you kidding me?” PJ squared his shoulders and took a step toward him. “What the fuck is your problem?”
    Matt laughed, but there was no trace of humor in the sound. PJ was eight inches shorter and probably weighed forty pounds less, and Matt would pound him. “You’re my problem, asshole. Don’t ever leave your shit on my lawn.”
    â€œWow.” PJ’s mouth hung open, but before he could say anything more, Jason intervened, stepping in between them and slinging an arm over each of their shoulders.
    â€œCome on now, boys, simmer down.” As usual, Jason’s tone was easy with a side of snark. “What are we fighting about? My delicate ears don’t appreciate such rated-R language. Today’s a happy day, isn’t it? Please tell me we’re not arguing about gum. What are we, little girls?”
    â€œTalk to your boy, Jase,” PJ said, his face still hot. He shrugged off Jason’s arm. “He’s the one who needs the attitude adjustment.”
    â€œFrom where I’m standing, you could all be little girls.” The gruff voice, naturally loud and commanding, carried across the lawn, and all three guys looked up in surprise to see Edward Shank standing in the open doorway. A lit cigar was in one hand, and the aroma of smoke and cherries wafted over. “Bunch of pussies you are, standing around crying over a little bubble gum. You boys trying to embarrass me in front of the neighbors?”
    On cue, they all straightened up. Jason dropped his arms from around their shoulders and smoothed his hair. PJ made sure his shirt was tucked into his pants. The Chief had that effect on people, whether they realized it or not.
    â€œChief.” Matt took a step away from PJ and Jason. “Didn’t realize you were here.”
    â€œWalked over. It’s a nice day. And I still have my key.” The old man took his key chain out of his pocket and shook it. “Should I have called first? Maybe I should have; looks like you boys are gearing up for a fight.”
    â€œOf course