Walt joined them, telling the boys it was time for them to get ready for school. For a moment they looked as if they’d rebel, until Vance said King would be there when they got home. As soon as they were gone, Walt looked Vance over with the practiced eye of a bartender and friend, as he said, “It’s been a while.”
Vance nodded. “It has. Sorry.”
“Hey, I know you’re busy.” He pointed to the porch and they headed there. When they were seated, King lying at Vance’s feet, Walt said, “Do you want to talk?”
Staring down at his hands, Vance shook his head. “Not really.”
“But you will anyway.”
With a small smile Vance asked, “Do I have a choice?”
“Of course, but…”
“A lot’s happened since I was here last.”
“Some of it pretty damned bad, from the look of you. You’ve got the same look on your face you did when you showed up here after your dad died, only worse.”