“What in the world is that?” Once again Ruby Gardener stood on the stairs, her claw-like grasp clutching at the handrail.
Seemed obvious but relieved she hadn’t come down while he and Ethan wrestled it into position, Rich answered. “A Christmas tree.”
“I can see that! I meant what is it doing here?”
“Then that’s what you should have asked.”
“I don’t want that thing in the house.”
“I know that, and I understand why.”
Silence. Rich awaited the argument but seconds ran into at least a couple of minutes before Ruby said, “If you understand, why torment me?”
“I don’t mean to.” He still didn’t look at her but adjusted the tree’s position a few inches to the left. “I got this for Sapphire.”
“Why?”
How to explain? At last Rich stopped fussing with the tree and faced his mother. “Look, I k
