The Stone That Never Came Down (22 page)

“Disgusted at being unable to defeat this weakling, the giant took Jack home for supper and challenged him to an eating contest. Jack poured all the porridge he was given down the bag he had hidden under his coat, and in trying to keep up with him the giant overate and died of a surfeit. So Jack inherited the giant’s castle and–”

“Lived happily ever after!” Toussaint shouted, jumping off Cissy’s knee.

“I hope so,” Malcolm said. “A chance like this won’t happen twice. Killing is easy. Living with is not.”

Toussaint blinked and his mouth fell ajar.

“Never mind, son,” Malcolm said, rumpling his black hair. “You’ll catch on.”

“You won’t be able to
help
catching on,” said Valentine.