Betrayed Chapter 8

Caught in my own web of intrigue! Suddenly, I no longer had two days to sound out the conspirators, make them make a move. I didn't have two minutes.

Last chance, Pal. You can get a little walk-up with a balcony overlooking Duval Street. You can take the rich tourists out in the morning, fish and drink beer until late afternoon, then come home and drink yourself into a stupor at Sloppy Joe's and stagger home, just like Papa Hemmingway. You can christen your boat "Busted Flush". Just walk away from all of this now. Even your eyebrows will grow back. If you change your name to Travis McGee, no one will ever know....

All I had to do was say: "no; let's wait until after the surgery." Then, when Monday morning rolled around.... The look in Dianna's eyes was the most hopeful, anticipatory, loving one I had seen in years. Even suspecting her as I did, I couldn't bring myself to disappoint her. Just let go....

"Okay," I softly sighed.