I'm sure you didn't. [ But her word choice made him chuckle anyway. It did sound almost like a threat as well but Booker knew she meant well. Her worry was touching. ] Usually you're asleep when I'm sleeping. Makes it difficult.

[ He pushed off the couch and cracked his back which felt deeply satisfying. ] Go ahead. I'm going to leave a note for Nicky and Joe just in case they get up.

[ Booker went to the kitchen for scrap paper and a pen. It was a simple note about going to the market with Nile and left it where Nicky, usually up first, would see it right away.

Then he grabbed a gun, tucked it into the small of his back, and made sure it was hidden fairly well under his t-shirt. They weren't in a really dangerous part of the world but better to be safe than sorry.

Once comfortably armed he went to the door to wait for Nile. ]