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TUESDAY MORNING HE WAS COLD when he awoke. Looking outside, he was surprised to see the first snow of the year. It was only a couple of inches, but it was the white stuff, real snow. He remembered his grandfather would call this a tracker snow, because it was just deep enough to track rabbit: one of his grandfather’s favorite sports. When Jim was young, his grandfather would take him along on his hunts. For some sad reason, when he became a teenager, he no longer had time for his grandfather. He thought that was the first big mistake of his life. His grandfather was always teaching him wonderful and exciting things, things he had never thought of before. Strangely, when he became a teenager he felt his grandfather was too old to know anything. Why are teenagers so foolish? Jim thought.
When he saw the Barkleys that morning they were as excited as teenagers.
“Isn’t it beautiful?” — Mother Barkley said, referring to the snow.
“It’s beautiful, but I’m sure glad we have an inside job.”
They all laughed.
“You better enjoy it now. It will be gone by noon.”
“Really?”
“Yeah. That’s what normally happens this time of year. The kids will be upset they won’t even get off from school.”
Looking outside: “It really is pretty.”
He thought to himself: If it wouldn’t snow now. There is no way the plan can work with snow on the ground. How would he cover his tracks?
Around 10:00 a.m. Mike called out to him: “You have another letter.”
Jim quickly opened the letter and pretended to read it.
“From your friend?”
“Yes, sir. He got a job in Dallas. He’s really excited about his new home. He found a construction company that only does framing and roofing. The new owner must do all the finishing work. It makes a new house affordable to people that can do construction work. That means he will need me for a couple of months.
“When do you leave?”
“I’m not sure yet. He gave me a telephone number he is using for the next ten days. He wants me to call him next Tuesday. He will let me know then.”
“That’s good. Just let us know.”
“I will, sir.”
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