But on the fifth came an answer. “Hello, Chris here.” The voice was relaxed, warm, and just a notch above deep.It put him at ease immediately. “Hi, Mr. Hale. My name is Micah Taylor, and I think we have a mutual friend. My great-uncle was Archie Taylor.”“Hello, Micah. It’s wonderful to hear your voice.” Chris didn’t sound surprised.“You expected my call?”“Well, I can’t say I was expecting it. But I hoped you would call one day.”“You knew Archie.”“Ah yes, knew him well. And he knew me. One of the best friends I ever had, without a doubt. He died not long before my wife did. Whew, was that a year. By far the toughest one of my life.”“I’m sorry.”“It was more than twelve years ago.” Chris chuckled. “And odds are I’ll be joining them soon. Some days I still miss Archie terribly. Sarah even more so.”“Your wife’s name was Sarah?” Micah choked the words out.“Yes, is that unusual?”“No, it’s just that I . . . Mr. Hale, could we meet?”“I’d enjoy that.
