"He finally comes to visit, and you treat him like this—embarrassing him in public? What kind of brother are you?"
"What should a brother be like, then? Should he just let his own fiancée steal his college acceptance letter and run off with his brother without saying a word?"
"Or should he pretend to be deaf and blind when he knows perfectly well that his brother and his wife have been carrying on behind his back?"
I couldn't hold back any longer. Every grievance I'd bottled up came pouring out. But Percival's eyes went wide, tears streaming down his face.
"Duane, I know you hate me, but you can't slander me like this!"
"There's nothing between me and Norma—nothing! If you don't believe me, I'll prove my innocence with my life!"
He pulled out a bottle of pesticide, shoved it into my hands, and forced my grip toward his mouth, as if he truly intended to die to defend his honor.
But the moment his fingers closed around mine, he leaned in close to my ear. His voice dropped to a whisper only I could hear.
"Brother, you're so pathetic. Both women you've loved only ever wanted me. Tell me—if I drink this today, do you think Norma will send you to prison?"