The Truth You're Told by Michael J. Clark

Author:Michael J. Clark [Clark, Michael J.]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: ECW Press
Published: 2021-11-02T00:00:00+00:00

* * *

Norman Peale stood at the water’s edge of the Whiskey Jack Lodge. There was enough protection from the waves during the morning to allow for a little practice. He reached into the old washtub—a rustic piece mounted on a newer wrought-iron frame—and removed one of his favourite things, a perfectly formed skipping stone, made even more perfect with a clear lacquer coating. He cocked his wrist. The flick was good for five healthy leaps across the water’s surface, with six shorter skips before the stone slipped below the surface. He was searching for the second perfect stone when Jake Kinsey appeared. “I’ve never seen anyone take skipping a stone to such extremes, Norman.”

Peale studied the second stone. “Extremes are the way of the Whiskey Jack, wouldn’t you agree?”

Kinsey rummaged through the washtub. “Well, the missus did paint some old stones for a garden once, at the base in Grand Forks. Or maybe it was Nellis, I truly can’t remember.”

Peale launched his second. “Memory can be a most valuable commodity, Mr. Kinsey.”

Kinsey cocked his wrist. The stone contacted the surface thrice before its death dive. “And you should be remembering to call me Jake, Norman. All my friends do.”

“Friends are rare in my field, Jake. You of all people should appreciate that.”

Kinsey rummaged for his third stone. “I do, Norman. With friends like us . . .”

“Who needs enemies?”

Kinsey smiled. He tossed his chosen stone in the air for an easy catch. “You really think you’ll be able to pull this one off? It’s a pretty big one.”

Peale launched his third. The flight was flawless, a baker’s dozen of skips, evenly spaced. “I do, Jake. I truly do.”

“So, on Wednesday?”

“Yes, Wednesday.”

“Why Wednesday?”

Peale smiled. He looked at Kinsey instead of the water as he launched his fourth stone.

“Because, Jake. It’s a Wednesday. At the lake. In July.”

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