facing Clark’s porch.
“For later.”
I raised an eyebrow.
She smiled.
That afternoon, we prepared our surprise.
Ellen had loved making homemade holiday decorations and dyes.
Some of her old supplies were still stored in the garage.
Among them was a very strong blue coloring concentrate.
There was also an old novelty stink spray my son had once given me as a joke
Completely harmless.
Absolutely horrible smelling.
Katie and I packed both into an ordinary gift box protected by a plastic liner.
Inside, I placed a note.
THIS IS WHAT YOU HAVE BEEN TAKING FROM ME EVERY NIGHT.
NOW EVERYONE KNOWS.
— YOUR GREEDY NEIGHBOR, FRANK.
Attached were three photographs
Clark beside my truck.
Clark siphoning gasoline.
Clark carrying the red container home.
We wrapped everything in cheerful paper and put a bow on top.
“Grandpa,” Katie said, staring at the finished package, “Grandma would think this was
ridiculous.”
“She’
