Page 86 of Ghost

Francis was studiously watching a late-night news program on ABC.Without looking up he responded, “Politicians today are a mystery to me.”He then looked at Mason.“Why do the people continue to put these men in office if they are obvious criminals?”

Mason couldn’t help but chuckle.“That’s the million-dollar question, isn’t it?Hell, if I know.”

Francis shook his head in disgust.“In my day and time, we did have the occasional crooked lawmaker, but he was also held accountable for his actions.”He waved his hand towards the television.“But...it appears not to be the same now.”He frowned.“It is not right.”

Mason sighed.“I’d have to agree with you there.Meanwhile, I’m going to go back to bed and see if I can’t get some more sleep.”

Francis stood and approached Mason.“If you like, I can lay with you for a bit.”

“I’d like that.”Mason smiled warmly.“Come on.I’ll let you tuck me in.”

Francis laughed.“If only I could.”

Mason crawled under the sheet and turned onto his side so he could face Francis as he lay down.

“I have a question for you: would you mind if I used your old bed?”Mason wasn’t sure what reaction Francis would have.

“I beg your pardon?”Francis’ eyebrows were raised so high that in the dark, they almost blended into his hairline.“You have my old bed?I have not seen it here.”

“Seems like your mother sold it to Ellen.”

Francis scowled.“My mother must have run out of money to have done that.”

“Yeah, I’m pretty sure that was the case.”Mason fluffed his pillow so he could see Francis better.“Matter of fact, Ellen bought a lot of stuff from your mother.”

Francis frowned.“I feel somewhat ashamed that Ellen felt it necessary to do that.My mother had no right to ask that of my dear cousin.”

“Personally, I think it is a good thing.”

Francis sat up a bit.“How do you mean?”

Mason smiled at the handsome man.“Ellen has offered it to me to put back into the house.Anything I’d like.It means that all of your things can be returned to where they belong.”

Francis sighed slightly.“You make a valid point.”

“So...would you mind?”

“No, I do not mind at all.”Francis smiled.“I would very much like to get you into my bed.”

Mason couldn’t help but laugh.“Oh boy, what a line.”

Francis smiled.“It is only the truth I speak.”

“I think I’d like that.”

“Now, I do believe that it is time that you try and sleep, Mason.”

“I suppose you’re right.”Mason leaned forward slightly.“I do have a pretty big day tomorrow.”

Francis also leaned in, their lips almost touching.“Yes, indeed you do.”

“Goodnight, Francis.”Mason yawned.

“Rest easy, Mason.”