“I’ve learned my lesson. I have. I know that I should have listened to your counsel.” Herbert knew what his brother wanted to hear and was ready to lay it on thick. “I was foolish. I realize that now. I’ve made my family miserable and unhappy. It’s a wonder they’re still with me. I think Gladys would have left me by now were she healthier.”
“There is nothing wrong with your wife that a little honesty wouldn’t cure.”
“Well, I cannot say for sure that is true, but I know I have made mistakes, and that is all I can confess to. I know what you want me to understand now. Money is hard-earned, even amongst the wealthy. I haven’t appreciated the mental work that has gone into securing decent investments and am ready now to accept that I was to blame for all that happened.”
“I’m glad to hear you confess that, but I’m sure there’s more that you might say on the matter.”
Herbert shifted uncomfortably. “I’m not sure what else you want me to say, but I am sorry. I’ve told you that and am truly remorseful for my lack of wisdom. I am a changed man. I assure you. Losing everything has taught me a valuable lesson.”
Harrison studied him for a moment, then frowned, as if disappointed in his reply. “You haven’t exactly made good choices here.”
“No, not always,” Herbert admitted. “I’m not proud of my attitude, but I am working to do the right thing and to listen to your counsel.”
Again Harrison looked at him as if waiting for something more. Finally, he shook his head. “I’m sure in time you will be much better at making decisions, but for now this is an important time of learning.”
“But Ihavelearned. It was never my desire to hurt you or our father.” Herbert’s mind raced to figure out what Harrison wanted to hear. “I was prideful and thought I knew best. I see that now. I was a disappointment to you both, but I just didn’t realize that my ways were so flawed.” He continued to ramble about his poor choices and how he wished he’d allowed Harrison and their father to teach him, all while watching his brother’s face for any sign that he’d finally hit upon the right topic.
What did Harrison expect of him? Nothing Herbert said seemed to move him. Nothing seemed to prompt his own apologies for having forced this lifestyle change on Herbert and his family. Instead, Harrison sat there looking quite unconvinced.
“I’m glad you are finally starting to understand,” Harrison said, putting the paper aside and getting to his feet. “I’m off to bed. My train is tomorrow, and I still want to write a letter to Susanna. I’ll see you in the morning. Make sure you’re here early just as we discussed.”
“I ... ah ... who will watch the front desk tonight?”
“I will,” Harrison replied. “There doesn’t seem to be any other choice, does there?”
“Well ... I could stay.” A thought suddenly came to him. “I could stay here and send Gary to the house to keep his mother safe.” Herbert smiled. Surely this would impress his brother. “That way you can get a good night’s sleep and be ready for your trip.”
“That’s decent of you. Thank you. I’ll retire to Susanna’s room, then. Good night.”
Herbert wanted to say something—anything—to stop his brother from leaving, but he remained silent. He had made clear his acceptance of his mistakes. Why couldn’t Harrison in turn absolve him and return him to his rightful place? How long did he intend to leave Herbert and his family here in this hideousexcuse of a town? He’d even made this grandiose gesture, and Harrison still seemed unimpressed.
With Harrison off to bed, Herbert at least felt free of his accusing stare. The constant expression on Harrison’s face was disapproval, and Herbert could bear it no more. Perhaps the answer was to continue with the card games. He’d been able to win a nice amount on several occasions.
“How’s it going, Father?” Gary asked, coming in for the night. He hung up his hat and jacket just inside the room, then sat down to pull off his boots.
“Wait!” Herbert smiled. “What about going with me to play a game of cards?”
“I’ve been playing pool all evening, and I’m tired. Dawn will come soon enough, and I’ll be expected at work.” He frowned. “Besides, do you have any money to play?”
“I have a little, and that’s all I’ll need. Come join me. We don’t have to be long at it, but Harrison has taken up all my time today, and I need to put him from my mind. A game or two of cards will be just the trick.”
Gary looked at his father and shook his head. “You don’t need me to play, and I’m tired. I’m going to bed.”
“Look, I know things haven’t been right between us. Harrison and I had a good talk tonight, and I’m starting to see all the mistakes I’ve made. I want things to be better between us, son.” He was quickly forgetting all about his offer to watch over the hotel tonight.
Gary sighed. “I suppose a couple of games will be all right, but no more. I don’t want the night to get away from me, and I refuse to lose all my pay just so you can have a companion.”
“You won’t lose, Gary. You almost always win.” Herbert gathered his hat and coat as Gary got to his feet to reclaim his.
“What about the hotel?”
“Harrison’s here. Besides, we’ll lock the front door. No one will be coming for a room.”
An hour later, Herbert looked at what little money he had left. He had been so certain of that last hand, but instead, one of the other regulars pulled a straight and dashed Herbert’s hopes of a big kill. Now he had another really great hand—a sure winner. He contemplated what he could do. He needed more money. He looked at Gary, who was folding.
“Gary, can I borrow ten ... no, twenty dollars?” he asked, leaning close to his son.
“No.” Gary looked at him like he’d lost his mind.
