Happy New Year right back at you. :-) I'm really glad you enjoyed the story.

I was particularly fond of drunk Bodie, myself. Earnest is certainly one way to describe him. I was going for "careful" in the way he moves, in the way he chooses his words. He feels as if he has screwed up royally already and now he doesn't have his usual arsenal of weapons (sharp tongue, keen mind, partner at his side) to see him through. And he definitely wants to see things through, and try and fix matters with Ray. It would be an entirely different matter if he hadn't given a toss.

Now off to read your story (stories?)! I can't wait. :-)