Chapter 17

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That evening, to cheer himself up, he drove to the beach via a liquor store. He purchased a bottle of expensive Semillon Sauvignon Blanc and a ten-pack of plastic wine cups. He only needed two, but he could leave the remainder in the car for emergencies. There was no telling when a plastic wine cup would come in handy.

“I’ve never tasted wine,” said Ezra a short time later. “Are you sure it’s okay?”

“Should be,” said Liam. “Just try a bit.”

He sat atop the rock where they usually met. The incoming tide had almost covered the peak, making the rock slipperier than it was during the day. He poured Ezra half a cup and handed it to him, though his mind was on the conversation he’d had with Mr. Atkins.

“What’s wrong?” asked Ezra.

Liam’s first instinct was to tell a white lie. Why spoil their evening? “It’s nothing.”

Ezra sniffed the wine and screwed up his nose. “Are you sure you’re not trying to poison me?”

Liam forced a smile.