THE MISSION II

..And he would have been as bad as his old man.

Curtis was glad that his father had overlooked him, that his father had thought him as weak as a woman. He wouldn't have been able to recognize himself if it had been the other way round.

But of course he gave out a crook smile, and cocked his head to the side as if to say that his father had really done a stupid job in choosing who to trust.

"You are truly my blood." Arnold started, rearranging himself on the sofa, sitting upright now, for he had been reclining deeper in the sofa.

"And even though my discovery is quite late, I'm glad that I could see it at least today. We should work together from now on. What do you think?"

Curtis nodded his head. "Your wish is my command."

There was a mock bow that had Arnold chuckling again, a chuckle that dried up, when he remembered something.

"What is the matter, father?" Curtis inquired, more curious than concerned.

"Your mother. How is she?"

Curtis shrugged his shoulders. "She is fine, j