Mr. Truttle left on another driving trip. Jim brought in the mail. “Something for your dad from some high school in Oklahoma. I’ll put it in on his dresser.”
Brian snatched the envelope. “I’ll take care of it. Probably a reunion or something.” He shoved it in his back pocket.
Jim stared with squinted eyes. “Are you his secretary now?”
Brian glared. “I’m trying to help him. He’s busy.”
Jim joined Brian again in visiting Mrs. Guardino on 10th Street. She liked to bake but wasn’t able to do it much, so Brian baked for her. She told nice stories from her life, which lightened her moods. Plus, the boys enjoyed them, especially since neither had extended family or grandparents in the area.
Jim had trouble controlling himself when Brian lied to her how much he liked yard work. The boys did a
