Chapter 28

When Rickey finished, there was a moment’s silence, then Michael said, slowly, “Do you mind if I make a few suggestions—?” The light went out of Rickey’s face. “No—but do you mean you don’t—care for it?” Michael was honest. “It’s good, Oliphant, but not good enough. I think you can do it in a bigger way.” Rickey’s voice was hoarse. “Bigger?” Michael hesitated, “Yes, your characters—they don’t move of themselves—your hand can be seen pulling the wires.” “Anything else?” Rickey’s tone was ominously quiet. “Your conce…