Archimedes Newton bit down hard on his lower lip to prevent an inappropriate guffaw of laughter to see his wife gape after their son in affronted surprise as the boy retreated from the room without a backward look. For that matter, beyond a single, all-too-brief glance when he’d walked into the room, Charles hadn’t bothered to acknowledge his father’s presence. Well, truthfully, had he expected any less? Once more he’d failed his boy.
He sat back in the cushy chair, his legs crossed at the knee, and watched as his wife paced the study floor, her face flushed with fury. She spewed such vitriol he was glad Charles wasn’t there to hear it. He could have told Marie taking that tack with their son wouldn’t work, but he hadn’t bothered, knowing she’d dismiss his words outright. Again, he’d take
