The Butcher Read Online Free Page A

not.” Matt exchanged looks with Jason and PJ. PJ dropped his eyes and looked away.
    Jason let out a laugh, but it sounded forced, and it was obvious he was trying to break the tension. “Good to see you, old-timer,” he said, giving Matt a stern look before bounding up the porch steps to shake Edward’s hand. “Still got your iron grip, I see.”
    â€œI could still kick your sorry ass.” The Chief’s eyes were alight with good humor. He punched Jason in the shoulder, then winced and rubbed his knuckles. “Goddamn it, I think you’re bigger than when I last saw you. You juicing or what? And what do you need all those muscles for, anyway, champ? You don’t play football anymore, and it won’t do you a bit of good when I get my foot up your sphincter. Mind you, you’d probably enjoy that, though I’d hate to muss up that hair.”
    â€œYou must be looking forward to moving into the old farts’ home.” Jason’s grin was equally wise-ass. “I hear they got tuna casseroles and backgammon going on every night. How will you possibly handle all the excitement? You might keel over if you’re not careful.”
    â€œSon, I haven’t been excited in twenty years. Not since my wife surprised me on the night of our thirtieth anniversary.”
    â€œOh God, I didn’t just hear that.” Finally relaxing a little, Matt shot one last glare at PJ before stepping onto the porch to give his grandfather a hug. “Chief, I think my ears are bleeding. That’s my grandmother you’re talking about, for God’s sake. May she rest in peace.”
    The old man ruffled his hair fondly. “Ha. So what? And how did I manage to raise such a pussy?”
    â€œSame question I’m asking myself,” PJ muttered as he pushed up the sleeves of his sweatshirt.
    â€œOh let it go, already,” Jason said, rolling his eyes. He looked pointedly at PJ, who sighed and turned away. The two of them headed backto the U-Haul, opening the back door to reveal Matt’s new bed frame, headboard, and mattress set.
    Clapping Matt on the shoulder, Edward leaned in to whisper in his grandson’s ear. Sweet smoke curled up toward their faces from the Chief’s cigar, which he held down at his side. “You know, I always thought that PJ kid was an idiot, too, and you can bust his balls when you’re at the restaurant tomorrow. But right now you need his help, so it doesn’t do you any good to get in his face. Always pick your battles. You got me?”
    Matt had to smile. His grandfather always knew the right thing to say. “Yeah, I got you, Chief.”
    â€œI understand, though,” Edward said, taking a drag on his cigar. His voice was low. “If this had still been my lawn, I’d have ripped his face off. Disrespectful little shit.”

4
    First order of business: build a deck and buy a hot tub. Matt loved the outdoors, and he had big plans for his new backyard.
    Though tired from a long day at the restaurant, he was exhilarated to see that work had begun. As he stood alone at the back door, surveying the progress, a light rain drizzled over him. At present, the yard was a giant mess. Holes and piles of dirt marred what used to be a neatly manicured lawn, but unlike the gum incident, it didn’t bother Matt. He could envision the end result—a stained wood deck, the hanging lanterns, the giant barbecue grill, and the hot tub. He had initially wanted an inground pool, but Jason had put the kibosh on that idea, reminding Matt that the weather in Seattle was only conducive to swimming between July Fourth and Labor Day. Eight weeks of summer was hardly worth the thousands it would cost to build a pool.
    His cell phone rang in his back pocket and he pulled it out. Recognizing the name and number, he answered quickly.
    â€œHey, Matt.” The raspy voice of Duncan Hastings, the contractorJason had recommended, was in his