Flood enjoys time at the sauna his architect friend built at his house, but this time the heat won’t soothe all the hurts. There’s a tragedy, and it’s not just men past their prime slowly marinating in a room just a hair bigger than a closet. A man is dead and Flood, who still can’t figure out if he’s a detective or if he’s just nosy, is certain it’s no accident. Can the detective see through the steam (sorry about that…we couldn’t resist) and make sense of the situation or will murderers get away with it?

This short story has mature content including violence and mature language. Adults should use discretion when deciding if it is appropriate for children in their care.

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“It was Edward’s idea. Then he convinced Debenham.”

“And Doughboy?”

Sugar made a face that made him look like a scowling Mandarin. “Don’t like it. Thinks it’s a nitwit idea.”

“Can they go ahead without him?”

Sugar shrugged. “Dunno. I know they got the dough. Sap City’s done nothing over the last five years but go to the bank. Thing is, no one but the trio know how they have the financials set up.” He hesitated. “I think they’re working through their differences.”

If they were, it wasn’t showing around the sauna house. When Doughboy came back from the pool, Edwards slapped his partner’s ample ass and said, “You shoulda had the heart attack in the water that you deserve, make Chris’ and my life easier.”

“My ass! You like to slap it, how about giving it a kiss?”

“Going in that water. I’ve never been down there all the times I been here. And I never will. What a dumbass deal! I’d rather roll in the snow.” With a growl of annoyance, Edwards bounded up like a hunting feline and banged out of the sauna room to join Debenham, who stood steaming in the snow.