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such common bond, and only the thinnest veil of social veneer kept them from open hostility. They remained in the brick room, sizing each other up after the passage of ten years, each jealous of their territorial prerogatives. Each realized that it was only a matter of time until that tension elevated to the next and perhaps uncontrollable level. |
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At that moment, it was Theodore who was convinced he held all the cards. After all, it was Charlie who had come to him. He looked at his brother and smiled. |
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Charlie understood the game his brother was playing, but that was of little concern to him. Charlie was fortified with his own surprise. After all these years, it was match point, and Charlie held the advantage. |
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"So, Charles," Theodore sneered, "just how long do you intend this little charade of brotherly interest to go on?" As he asked the question, he finished off his third martini and bent to pour himself another. |
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Charlie gave his brother a quizzical look. Theodore was right; "charade" was a good word for it, but he would never admit it. Besides, there was a certain amount of savoring to be done, an anticipation to be finally enjoyed, a scene to be staged; there was no need to plunge headlong into this. This was foreplay of the highest order. |
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