Liam Fairchild immediately put on his most well-behaved act, serving Evan a cup of tea. "Uncle, have some tea. What brings you here? I missed you like crazy."
"Looking for a beating? The kind that leaves you half-dead."
"No, no, no, Uncle! Let's talk this out! Just tell me what I did wrong, and I'll fix it. I'll fix it right now."
"Why is your hair yellow? Shave it off."
Liam immediately clutched his head. "I—I'll dye it back tomorrow. No, I'll go get it dyed back tonight."
"Tattoos?"
"No, no, no, they're stick-ons! See? They peel right off."
"What's in your pocket?"
"Chewing gum."
"Take it out."
'His uncle's commands were always this firm and beyond question.'
'His uncle's gaze was always so piercing.'
Liam took the item out of his pocket.
Evan Fairchild shot to his feet. "Cigarettes? Where did you get cigarettes?! You're smoking! How old are you?!"
"Dad, let me explain! They're not mine, a buddy of mine left them here! I swear I didn't smoke any!"
