Chapter 12

“You know, I wouldn’t watch if I were you. Not if it upsets you like this.” Before he could utter a reply, I added, “I’ve got a job over at the Winters’, so I don’t have a lot of time to talk.”

Owen and I renegotiated the lumber. Against my better judgment, I bought enough to finish the Winter job. I told Owen I expected to see better stock than I had this morning. I also told him I was disappointed in his attitude about Jimmy and Fredi. I might not love either of them, but they’re human just like the rest of us and deserve our respect.

As we got back in the truck to go to lunch, Jeff was watching me with a silly grin on his face. We’d be back to pick up the load after we ate. Then I’d be telling my brother Ben to find another supplier. I wasn’t playing any bigot games.

“What?” I asked in irritation. I was getting tired of Jeff smirking at me. “What’s the matter with you? What do you want to say?”

“I bow to you, oh mighty Big Bear,” he said with a little dip of his head.