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sion. Guess I'd better be about it." |
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"I came to Cold Springs with two very specific objectives in mind," Charlie lied. "The first was to begin mending the fences between you and me. It's time to put all the bitterness, the recriminations and the past behind us. The second is something a little different." He told his brother to wait there while he went back to the car. When he returned, he was carrying a nondescript cardboard box. |
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Theodore watched in silence as he unwrapped a bulky glass container from layers of torn terrycloth. "What is it?" he asked. |
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Charlie Frazier peeled away the last layer of fabric and held it up for his brother's inspection. |
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Theodore stared at the container. It was filled with a nearly opaque liquid that sloshed back and forth in Charlie's unsteady hand. "Okay, I give. What the hell is it?" |
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Charlie lowered his voice, mostly for effect. "A little something I've owed my father all these years," he answered. |
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"Yeah," Theodore shrugged, "maybe so, but you still haven't told me what it is." |
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Charlie forced a crooked smile. He had done his job, all right. Old Teddy boy didn't appear to be the least bit suspicious. He had actually woven a bit of the truth into his little |
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