Jay looked at the chief, to see if there was any humor in those eyes, and there wasn’t. Just a straight-on look. He said, “What are you saying? That there really were flying saucers out in Mrs. Tate’s backyard?”

“I’m not saying anything. All I know is that I saw those lights, and that’s enough for one night. Except for one thing.”

“Which is?”

The chief reached over, picked up the check, and dropped it in front of Jay. “Which is the bill, which is yours. Or don’t you remember the bet you made?”

Jay picked it up, reached for his wallet. “How the hell could I forget?”

Brendan DuBois is an award-winning author of short stories and novels. His short fiction has appeared in various publications including Playboy and Ellery Queen Mystery Magazine, as well as numerous anthologies. He has twice received a Shamus Award for his short fiction and has been nominated for three Edgar Awards. DuBois lives in New Hampshire with his wife Mona.