Bright of the Sky Read Online Free PDF

Ives New York Central locomotive sat prior to the new headlight installation Quinn had planned for that afternoon. Before his brother showed up a day early.
    “Uh-uh,” Quinn said. “Don’t touch, remember?” His heart crimped a little looking at his niece, his memories of Sydney at that age poking up as always when Emily was around.
    Emily nodded sagely. “Espensith.”
    Quinn smiled. “Very espensith hobby.”
    From the kitchen came his brother’s voice. “My God.”
    “Oh, that thing in the sink?” Quinn said. “It’s a jellyfish.” He got Mateo’s attention. “Ever seen one? You can see their innards through their skin.”
    Mateo dashed into the kitchen to confirm this marvel.
    Looking around the living room, Quinn realized he should have picked up a little. He started lifting items off chairs, then spun around looking for where to put them.
    “It’s all right, Titus,” Caitlin said. “Really. We don’t need to sit.” She took the pile from his hands and plopped it at the base of a pole lamp. Then, checking that Emily wasn’t listening, she looked him square in the eyes. “How are you? Tell me the truth.”
    Quinn cocked his head and put on a jaunty smile. “Good. I’m good.”
    “You are not.”
    “Am too.”
    “We haven’t seen you for months.” The words were reproachful, but her tone made it go down just fine.
    “Guess I’ve been too wrapped up in the hobby. You said I should take an interest in things.”
    “I meant people , Titus.”
    “Oh. Well. People are harder.” He noted that the Lionel Coral Isle was going into the curve at the sofa a little fast and flicked his right hand into the digit commands that controlled his railroading models. He could have used a voice-actuated system, but he liked hand controls. He’d always been good with his hands, and wearing the three tiny rings on his right hand, he could manipulate the timing and performance of eight trains on five tracks, no problem.
    Mateo was back. “Can I hold the new engine? The one that cost eleven thousand dollars?”
    Pointing at the St. Paul Olympian just emerging from the back bedroom, Quinn said, “Just for watching, Ace, not for touching.”
    Mateo eyed the sleek train with its brass and die-cast trim pieces as it raced under the dining room hutch. “I wish I had a toy like that.”
    “It’s not a toy,” Quinn said, rummaging in the coat closet for the presents he’d mail-ordered for the kids.
    “Then what is it, if it’s not a toy?” Mateo asked.
    Rob had returned from the kitchen. “It’s an escape.”
    Emily pronounced, “It’s a hob-by .”
    Retrieving the cardboard boxes from the closet, Quinn responded, “It’s a way to keep from thinking.” Then, seeing the worry on his sister-in-law’s face, he put on a cheery grin. “Merry Christmas, to my favorite nephew and favorite niece.”
    Mateo rolled his eyes at the old ploy. “We’re your only nephew and niece.”
    “Well, there you go, then.” Quinn handed the presents to the kids, who received a nod from Rob as to opening them now. They tugged open the boxes, filled with tronic gadgets five years in advance of what either of them could figure out.
    “Didn’t have any wrapping paper,” Quinn said.
    “That’s okay—” Caitlin was saying, but Rob interrupted. “For God’s sake, Titus.” He looked like he’d say more, then glanced at the kids.
    Caitlin’s hand came onto his arm again. Like a dog handler, Quinn thought. Why didn’t she just let Rob have his say? He knew what his brother thought of him. Of his hobby, his crappy little cottage.
    Instead of the expected rebuke, Rob said, “Join us for Christmas, Titus.”
    Christ, the man had no idea what lay just around the corner, at his cushy little job.
    The kids were punching buttons and causing lights to flash on their respective gifts.
    Quinn managed a smile. “I’ll try.”
    Mateo, still fiddling with his present, said, “Kiss of death.”
    “Out of the mouths of