[ Don't make a big deal out of this. Albert had that infuriating habit, talking to one like a child when he was annoyed or didn't particularly like where a conversation was headed. Without realizing it, William had curled his hands into fists at his sides, which at least helped somewhat with the cold beginning to set into his fingers. ]

That would suit you just fine, wouldn't it? I just drop it forever and you give yourself emphysema while I say nothing. [ Or cancer. And then I bury you. ] You're smarter than this.

[ I thought.

Then again, he'd thought Albert would never lie to him about something like this, too. ]