The Big Ugly

Chris’s gentle and almost pretty face belied his broad shoulders and toughness.

This day Chris was feeling good. He liked the routine, liked the long fast walking after being cooped up in school. No question, school was slow and boring. Others had sometimes tried to keep up with him when he made his newspaper deliveries but they couldn’t long maintain his pace. Route Manager Schwin called Chris his ironman.

–From Chapter one

Sounds like the beginning of an idyllic tale, doesn’t it? But later…

Anna charged up. “Sharkey, you on my husband’s case?”

“Nah. I’m a plastic surgeon, not a trauma surgeon. I dropped by to say hello but also to get a look at how well my repair job was holding up.

And later yet …

“I’m an FBI Agent. I serve the country and I serve the President.  He asks me questions and I answer them. In these films you’re taking of me, have some respect and blur out my face before you show them.”

“Sir, we are newscasters and it is our duty to report the news, but out of respect for you and your services to this country, respectfully Sir, your facial image will be blurred out.”