Everything that happens within the pond affects all aspects of life beneath its surface. —“On the Way of Water,” from the journal of Hayden Stone Crazy Otis shrieked in outrage as Elias reeled back against the perch. The stand that supported the fake tree limb shuddered under the impact. Elias hit the floor. “Take it easy, Otis.” Elias levered himself up on one elbow and gingerly touched the side of his mouth. His fingers came away wet with his own blood. He glanced at the streak of crimson and then looked up at Justin Keyworth, who was standing over him with clenched fists. “Satisfied?” “No, you sonofabitch. I’m not satisfied.” Justin’s blunt features were twisted with rage. His cheeks bore the shadow of two day’s growth of beard. His hand-tailored, cream-colored shirt was badly creased and stained with sweat. “It’s your fault, and by God you’re going to pay.” A great weariness settled on Elias. “What do you want from me, Keyworth?” “I want to know what you said to my father that made him try to kill himself, you bastard.”
