Chapter 56
Karl turned at a hand on his shoulder. He was glad of any excuse that let him look away from the tiny, freshly filled grave. George was standing behind him, nearly unrecognizable in a dark suit with his unruly brown hair tamed down. He stepped forward and shook Arthur Gilmore's hand.
"I'm sorry for your loss, sir," George said. "But I'm glad to see you again."
"George Wood," Karl's father said, nodding. "I don't think I've seen you since you and Karl here were in training together. Are your parents well?"
"Yes sir. They both send their condolences. When everything calms down, they'd love to have the two of you over for dinner. Mind if I borrow Karl for a few minutes?"
"Not at all," Karl's father said. "He needs a break from all of this. He's all that's kept Klia and Rethia
