He unwrapped it on his knee and held out a polished silver rattle shaped like a little apple.

“I bought this in town this morning,” Christopher said.

“A gesture of goodwill for the child.”

Theodore reached out and grabbed the cool silver ring, shaking it once so the little metal beads clinked inside.

“I spoke harshly to you yesterday morning about your duties,” Christopher said, his voice slipping into a smooth, fake rhythm.

“You’ve worked hard under difficult circumstances, and I want to apologize.”

“I just want to make sure Mr.