“Maybe,” Justin’s father said finally. “Either way you’re not wrong. About needing time. And I’m glad you know it. You know, he did say you were nicer than he expected. In person.”
“He what,” Kris said.
“Oh, ages ago. After he first started working with you.” Bill waved the hand not holding the book. “We were a bit concerned, what with the stories, but then again my son is good at his job. With people. Talking to them. He said…what was it he said, exactly…”
Kris, who urgently needed to know precise wording and intonation, held his breath.
“I don’t recall the specific words—” Kris tried not to visibly sag in place. “—but he said you cared about other people more than you thought you did. And were more easily bruised than you thought you were. A good heart. Something like that. Sorry. My
