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Show 134 Francis X Culley stood leaning against the lamp post on the middle dip. "Francis X, what are you doing here?" Karl asked him. "I got a message for you." Perhaps it was because of the harsh illumination from the street light, but Francis X looked even sneakier than usual. "What's the message?" Karl asked. "Who's it from?" "Here." Francis X handed him an envelope. Examining it, Karl saw that the flap had been torn open and sloppily resealed. "Did you open this?" he demanded to know. Francis X backed out of reach as he answered, "Huh-unh, I never opened it. Honest Injun!" Karl undid the envelope and pulled out a folded piece of paper. The street light was bright enough that he could see the words clearly: Dear Family. By the time you read this, Jame and I will be married. I'm sorry it had to happen this way, but you gave us no choice, Mom. Don't blame Karl. He knew nothing about it. Kathleen He crumpled the paper in his fist, feeling as though the breath had been knocked out of him. Why hadn't he guessed? The signs had been so obvious! Kathleen's nervousness, her carefully laid plans, Jame's evasion about the package he was carrying --it must have held their clothes. How was Karl going to face his parents with this news? |