Chapter 58

“So, we need to buy them an extra nice Christmas present,” Chris said.

“Have you any ideas?”

“No, but I’m hoping that Ted might.”

“Me?” Ted said.

“Yes, you. Think for a minute or two. Have you heard the Clarks mention something they’d really like to have, but don’t?”

Ted was quiet for a while; then he said, “They’re always talking about how old their TV is, but they can’t bring themselves to spend the money on a new one. Or something like that.”

“That’s perfect,” Chris said. “Ted, do they have cable?”

“Yes, Sir. At least, they have the basic channels. I don’t watch TV when I’m over there, and I haven’t seen them doing it very much.”

“Why’d you ask about cable?” Mickey said.

“I don’t know much about that stuff, but it might make a difference in what kind of TV we get them.”

“Oh.”

“Needless to say, Ted, this is top secret,” Chris said. “Don’t you breathe a word of it to them. I want them to be totally surprised.”