Ever since Augus started his recovery period, he hadn''t really had a formal sit-down withn. So, when Beck mentioned it,n felt a twinge of guilt.


    The whole divorce from Maja thing was a pill too big to swallow for anyone in the Sanders n.n was itching to give Beck the boot, but before he could do anything, Augus'' call came in first.


    It happened right aftern got home from work, just as he overheard Beck on the phone.This belongs to N?velDrama.Org - ?.


    "Dad, are you sure you''re up for the trip?"


    "What''s so important? Alright, when will you be here? I''lle get you. Yeah, I know, Maja''s due in two months, I wouldn''t dare ask her toe herself, she''s been resting up at home. When you get here, I''ll set you up in the Sanders'' local house to chill out before heading over to Greenfield Gardens."


    Beck had wanted to keep this fromn, hoping to catch him off guard.


    But as soon as he hung up the phone, he heardn''s voice.


    "Dad''sing over? When?"


    Beck stiffened, surprisedn had caught wind of the conversation, and instantly felt a touch of annoyance.


    "Tomorrow, around six in the evening. You better brace yourself."


    The news spoiledn''s appetite at dinner.


    He was worried sick that Augus wasing to read him the riot act.


    Maja had heard about Augus'' visit too, and seeingn so tense, she tried to offer somefort.


    "Rx, it''s not like he''s going to bite your head off."


    Butn was on edge, micromanaging everything down to thendscaping in Greenfield Gardens.


    Maja found it amusing but also knew it wasn''s way of showing he cared.


    She sat nearby, munching on some fresh fruit and enjoying the scent of freshly cut grass wafting from the garden.


    Three minutester, someone approached.


    "Ma''am, here''s a New Year''s gift


    you. It


    held up att


    few days, so it''s a bitte.


    belongs to on


    a


    Maja raised an eyebrow. It looked like it had been shipped from abroad. Who could it be from?


    Just as


    tape,n snatched the box away wary of potential danger.


    the


    e was about to tear off the s to .ne


    Upon opening it, they found dog food, toys, and the like.


    And among them was a conspicuous note.


    [Maja, some toys for our Coco. You''ve taken great care of him.]


    Signed, Patric.


    "Burn all this stuff, it''s bad juju."


    Maja was puzzled, asking, "Isn''t it just a New Year''s gift from someone?"


    "Don''t bother, it''s a nasty prank."


    The staff quickly took the box and note away, tactfully making themselves scarce.


    Maja''s suspicions grew, worried it might be something important.


    Unable to withstand her probing gaze,n caved.


    "It''s from Patric. He mentioned Coco."


    the most infuriating poet


    gifat Coco had originally bet


    was


    gift from Eric Raymond.


    a


    Now Patric, harboring Eric''s grudges, was using this to jab atn''s soft spot.


    Maja nodded, not bothering to retrieve the items.


    She was more concerned aboutn''s brewing storm of jealousy.