Little Crew of Butchers

by Francine Pascal

  Lucy never mentions it. Not even when they grow up.

  But the irony is that Charley didn’t have to tell the truth for anyone but himself.

  Everyone who was there that day already knew.

  ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

  For my character inspiration I have to thank my brother, Burt Rubin, and my agent of thirty-eight years, Amy Berkower, for everything a dream agent can do, plus wisdom and loyalty. And a lasting friendship. I would also like to thank my editor, Peggy Hageman, for her sharp eye, encouragement, and excellent advice. She understood the character immediately and helped me focus on revealing him to my reader. And to Ben Patrusky, Ken Gross, Jon Marans, and Maria Guarnaschelli for their helpful suggestions. And to Hilary Bloom, Meredith Young, and Anita Anastasi for their encouragement and patience. And, of course, to my family—Molly Wenk, Mia Johansson, John Carmen, Nicole Johansson, Alice Wenk, and Thomas Wenk—for always being so supportive and encouraging.