2:00 P.M., December 23
Nineteen hours to eternity
The second time Race was invited to Liam’s room, he took up the invitation. On the way back to the hotel after lunch, they stopped at a florist and bought some pine garlands and a tiny holly plant with bright red foil covering its plastic pot. They set the plant on the dresser opposite the bed. The long strands of pine they broke up and spread over the room.
“Can’t forget the bed,” Race said as he draped some of the garlands across the headboard. Inhaling deeply, he added, “I love that smell.”
“I live near a tree farm that grows pines for Christmas trees. Having the windows open and that scent wafting through is like s*x for my nose.”
Race burst out laughing. “While I disapprove of murdering healthy trees for a week or two of home deco
