cold."

They got up and went to the door way where Rich hailed a taxi to drive them to Rich's place, which Joseph insisted on paying. Richard’s apartment was cozy. It consisted of a kitchen, a large living room, a bathroom and a rather roomy laundry/storage/linen closet. What furniture there was, was of a very good quality and the place was decorated nicely. Some of the artwork was rather erotic to say the least. Over the pull out sofa/bed was a large lithograph of Michelangelo's "David" in all his glory. Indirect multi- colored lighting surrounded the baseboards. There was an easy chair, coffee table as well as a few table and floor lamps. The place was clean, spotless, and orderly. "It's not tremendous, but big enough for an occasional guest, and myself," Rich said. "What can I get you to drink, perhaps a brandy?"

"That should warm me up. My compliments to your decorator", said Joseph "That's Michelangelo's David, isn't it? I hope someday to visit Rome to see the real thing. People say that it is magnificent. There is another David, I always forget the name of the sculptor, that some say is also beautiful, but I think this one is better."

"And I thought you were a dumb hick", Rich said handing him a snifter of brandy. “There are many statues of David but the most famous is this one and the one by Donatello. In fact I believe that Donatello did more than one of David. Is that who you meant?" he continued "I think you should get out of those wet things and let me put them in the washer and dryer. You night as well let me do your under stuff also. There is a robe in the utility room that you can use. We are more or less the same size."

Raising his snifter of brandy in a mock toast and taking another gulp of the liquor, the still shivering soldier said, "Thank you Rich, this is really nice of you. I don't know what I would have done without you, both for this and your earlier warning. Without it, most likely, I would be either laying in a gutter somewhere or on a slab down at your morgue."

"Any time for a service man and anything also," he returned the toast. "There is a clean large towel in the room, to wipe yourself with and then you might also want to take a hot shower while I put your stuff in the washer. Better get on with it, you look like a wet dog that I picked up off the street and the lease says that I'm not allowed to keep any pets in the apartment,” he joked. “Leave your wet stuff on the washer. I have a few things to add to it. No sense in running a half empty load. My electric bill is too high as it is."

Joseph put the empty brandy snifter down and went into the utility room. He stripped and dried himself off then put on the silk bathrobe that was hanging there. It was one of those smoking jacket robes, the hem coming down to just above his knees. He placed the towel around his neck and his stuff on the washer then exited the room.

"That robe never looked that good on me," Richard laughed. "Go! Take your shower while I take care of the laundry. If you need more towels there are some in the bathroom closet. Anything else