Chapter 54: The Sin Of The Parent, Part 9, Ben

MICHAEL

An hour later, we've made good progress. My brother is a strapping figure, and between us we have made short work of the mess of brambles, thorns and aggressive undergrowth.

"Time for a break," I say, mopping at my forehead.

Something delicious wafts by, and my nose turns the rest of me bodily around to follow the source.

"I thought you gentlemen might enjoy a break from all that." It's Sally, carrying two trays of something enormous. She passes one to me with a smile; the other to Ben, giving him a cool look as she does so. Sausage, bacon and eggs all in a bread bun big enough to play frisbee with. And two beer cans dripping condensation.

I love a woman who understands men....

"Ah, Sal. That's perfect. Thanks."

"Anytime, Michael. I'll send someone out for the plates in a while."

The gargantuan sandwich clutched in both hands, I take a huge bite, hastily wiping at my mouth as a yolk bursts, back-splashing me with yellow gunge.