Dead and Breakfast by Kimberly G. Giarratano Read Free Book Online Page A

open. “Humiliating.”
    Pops raised an eyebrow. “Where’d you get that shirt?”
    Liam sipped the soda, the cold liquid burned his throat. “Glenda Reynolds gave it to me because I fell into the pool. Go ahead and laugh.”
    Pops shook out the crease in the newspaper before turning the page. “Wasn’t going to.”
    “Seriously, Pops. The people at that place are nuts. They believe in ghosts.”
    “You needed a job. I got you a job.” Pops adjusted his glasses. “Besides, there are worse things to believe in.”
    Liam chugged the soda and burped. He crushed the can and tossed it into the recycling container by the back door. “I don’t really want to go back there, but . . .”
    “But, what?” Pops asked.
    Liam pressed his face against the door’s dirty windowpane and stared at the round, white rocks that covered the yard where grass might normally grow. “I need the money. I’m going into business with Randall.”
    “That dummy?”
    Liam dropped into the chair next to his grandfather. “He’s not a dummy. Well, he knows scooters, at least. Anyway, think about it. There’s enough tourists and business in Key West to go around and it’s time we get a piece of the pie.”
    Pops covered his face with the newspaper. “I was wrong. You’re the dummy.”
    Liam pulled the newspaper away from Pops. “This is a chance for the Breyers to rise to the top in Key West. You see how people treat you at the VFW, like you’re not good enough, and me—”
    Pops’s blue eyes appeared dull. “People don’t treat you badly because of who I am. They treat you badly because of who you are.”
    Liam balked. Well, that stung.
    Pops put down the newspaper and peered at Liam. “I think you should forget this scooter business. You can’t compete with a big shot like Mick Canton. Why don’t you apply to college?”
    Liam hated how his grandfather had such little faith in him. “Cuz, Pops, I need money. College costs a whole lot of money.” He stared out the back door and thought about Evelyn bossing him around. “No, I want to work for myself.”
    “Okay, sport. Just don’t be surprised if this all blows up in your face.” He nodded at Liam’s borrowed polo shirt. “You gonna go back to the Cayo? You’ll make me look bad if you don’t.”
    Liam didn’t think the Breyer family could look worse, but he didn’t want to disappoint the old man. “Yeah, I’ll go back.” He remembered Cora’s cookies and tossed the brown paper bag onto the table. “For you.”
    Pops peered inside the bag and smiled. “Job perk for your old grandpa.” He reached inside and then frowned. “They’re all wet.” Pops shrugged and popped a piece of cookie in his mouth. “Still good. Did you get a few bucks for the ring at Louie’s?”
    Liam’s mouth went dry. “I’m gonna do it tomorrow.” He felt bad for lying, but Pops already lacked confidence in Liam. Confessing he lost his abuela’s ring wouldn’t help his cause. Liam wanted to go back to the Cayo and search for the ring, but was too embarrassed to face Autumn or her mother. He’d have to return later when no one was there.
    “You look pale,” said Pops. “You all right?”
    “Uh, yeah. I’m just gonna hit the hay. I’m spent.”
    “Hung-over, you mean,” Pops mumbled.
    “Unlike you, I didn’t mean to drink so much.”
    “Thanks for the judgment.” Pops rolled his eyes. “You’re eighteen years old and you went to a party. I didn’t expect less.” He nodded toward a piece of scrap paper tacked up on the fridge by a broken magnet. “Your father called. He’s doing better. Wants you to give him a call soon.”
    Liam took down the piece of paper with an unfamiliar area code scribbled on it. “Sure, Pops. Will do.” He headed toward his bedroom and crumpled the scrap of paper inside his palm. When he passed the bathroom, he dropped it inside the toilet and flushed.

CHAPTER SIX
    Shortly before bedtime, Autumn was on her knees rummaging through an