“I like it.” Effie trills from the branch of a camellia tree. “I like it, Euuugene. I like it.” “Shit!” Ballsack jumps a foot off the ground. His hand lands on his heart. “I didn’t know she was in here.” “I thought she probably needed to stretch her wings,” I explain. Ever since Pace and I took her out on the water, she’s been bursting with life, eager to go out again. “Well, warn a guy next time.” He exhales slowly. “I should kick Wick’s ass for teaching that bird my name,” he says, glaring up at Effie. “I told him in strict confidence that birds freak me out.”
