Chapter 18Fritz
WITH ONLY A couple more weeks to Christmas, and because Kate would be gone in a couple of days, I did what I had avoided for years—I went shopping. Since I'd refused her offer to join her going-away party, buying a small gift impressed at least me as appropriate. I had seen an attractive shop in one of the upscale areas of the District, and headed over before going home. Only after I had parked did I realize I had company. Tim McNamara pulled to the curb and called me over. I didn't know what role he was playing.
“Get in, Russ. We need to talk.”
“About what?”
“You. Get in.”
“I'm going shopping. A Christmas present for Cindy. Before they close.”
“This won't take long. Just a couple trips around the block.” After a frustrated exhale, I slid into the passenger's side and
