Chapter 86: Chapter 86

“Uh huh? Appreciate you doin’ this for us it bein’ Christmas an all.”

Barry could tell his red cowboy was nervous because his accent was deeper.

Jake’s smile was cautious but grew in intensity. “So you’re saying I’m clean?”

Barry held his breath.

Jake’s smile reached full wattage. “Thank you. Thank you.”

Barry started to breathe normally again, but his heart was still beating too fast.

Jake handed the phone to Jimmy, whose mask of togetherness held until he let out a loud “Yee ha!” and smiled every bit as brightly as Jake had. “Thank you, bud. You made my Christmas. Huh, yeah, sure.”

Jimmy held the phone out to Barry, who took it in nervous fingers.

“Robb, it’s me, Barry.”

“Hi again.” Barry could hear the smile in the man’s voice. “I’ll cut right to the chase, my man’s due home any minute and I want to be ready for him, a red bow tied, uh, well. Your results. They came back non-reactive for everything.”

Barry let out a sob. “You mean it?”