He wore a blue cotton short-sleeve shirt and a Panama hat with a flowered band around the crown. His physique was massive, without a teaspoon of fat on it, his neck like a tree stump with thick roots at the base that wedged into his wide shoulders. His neatly creased slacks hung loosely on his tapered waist and flat stomach. But his green eyes were shy, and they crinkled when he smiled. He carried a paper sack under his right arm. 'I wasn't able to give this to your husband, but perhaps I can give it to you,' he said. 'He'll be home a little later, if you want to come back.' 'I'm sorry, I forgot to introduce myself. My name's Will Buchalter. Actually this is for you and the little girl.' 'I'm not quite sure I understand.' 'It's a gift. Some candy.' He slipped the box, which was wrapped in ribbon and satin paper, partially out of the sack. 'That's very nice of you, I'm sure, but it might be better if you drop back by when Dave's here.' 'I didn't mean to cause an inconvenience. I'm a little bit inept sometimes.' 'No, I didn't mean that you were—' 'Could I have a glass of water, please?' He took off his hat.
