Ted whirled on a dime. “Are you admitting that right now, right this minute, I know more about women than you do? Ah, there is a God!” he said dramatically.

“Cut the bullshit, Ted. This is when guys have to stick together. I solved your problem with the diamond earrings, didn’t I? Well, turnabout would be nice here as a show of good faith.”

Ted lounged back against the refrigerator and grinned. “I like it that you’re so desperate. What did you have in mind?”

“Maybe a Kindle, an iPod, something along those lines. They don’t have plugs. Maybe a charger or something. I hardly think a charger would count. Batteries?”

Ted was in his glory as he contemplated his answer. This was a moment in time when he had one-upped his buddy, and he wanted to savor every minute of Jack’s discomfort. He shook his head vigorously. “Patsy of Dorchester Jewelers said she had a one-of-a-kind diamond tennis bracelet as an alternative to the diamond earrings. It comes in a white velvet box with a white satin lining, but it was out of my reach dollarwise. Gift wrapped, of course. Snowflake paper. The snowflakes are dusted with glitter, and she said she would use a fine-mesh silver bow. Aren’t you damn lucky I remember all this?

“Espinosa said Jill mentioned a diamond-studded cross on some kind of special chain, in case he didn’t go with the earrings. So, you have two choices. Here is the way I see it. You could sell your car to pay for it. I don’t think you have enough time to hold a garage sale, but it’s a thought.” Ted’s expression turned solemn. “I worry about you sometimes, Jack.”

“Eat me!” Jack snarled.

Ted let loose with a loud guffaw.

Back in the living room, Harry was still in the lotus position, staring at something no one else could see.

Jack bent over, snapped his fingers, and said, “Earth to Harry. Look alive here. We need to confer. Like now.”

Harry unwound his legs, stretched, and in one fluid motion was on his feet. He stared at Jack and observed in a hushed voice, “My ancestors tell me they have grand plans for you, Mr. Emery. That’s the only reason you’re still standing.”

“Yeah, well, tell them to hold off on whatever they’re planning, because we need to plan. This time I’m turning the floor over to the three of you since you never like my plans. So, let’s hear it, hotshot! You’re up, Harry!” Jack said, waving his arms magnanimously.

Chapter 14

Chapter 14

Murphy and Grady hippity-hopped through the snow as they did their best to lead Charles and Maggie down the street and around the corner.

Charles was fuming. “I was gone only ten minutes, and they plowed in my Hummer! Unbelievable!” he snorted.