Covenant by Brandon Massey Read Free Book Online Page A

better.
                Reuben swiveled to the computer.  His fingers danced across the keyboard.
                He was a whiz with computers.  Anthony had bought the machine for him last Christmas, an upgrade over the PC he had acquired for him a few years ago.  He wanted to encourage his nephew’s talents in a useful direction.
                Last year, Reuben had created a program for him to track his book royalty statements.  It worked far better than the Excel spreadsheet Anthony had been using for that purpose, and Anthony had actually considered licensing it to sell to other writers.  He was convinced that Reuben had a great future ahead of him as a software developer, but the boy had to want to do it. 
                “How’s that program coming along that I asked you about creating, for the press release promo?” Anthony asked.
                “Ah, man.  I started on that but ain’t finished it.  I been busy, you know.  When you need it by?”
                A month ago, Anthony had asked Reuben to create a program that would send press releases to media outlets worldwide, based on specific, user-defined criteria.  The idea was that when Anthony released a new book, he could use the software to zip a press message about the novel to the thousands of newspapers, magazines, television networks, radio stations, and blogs across the Internet.  Although numerous press-release distribution software packages and services already existed that Anthony could have purchased, he wanted Reuben to create the program for him, to further develop his talents—and hopefully, his motivation.
                “As soon as you can get to it,” Anthony said.  “I know you’re a busy guy, with school out and everything.”
                Reuben chuckled.  “You know how it is, Unc.” 
                The sarcasm had sailed right over his head.
                “Has your mom said anything to you about cutting the grass?” Anthony said.
                “Man, she let some dude borrow the lawnmower like two weeks ago.”
                “She did what?  Who?” 
                “I don’t know, one of her boyfriends, I guess.  Some dude.”
                Anthony knotted his hands and counted to ten.
                “There’re a bunch of newspapers scattered across the sidewalk, too,” Anthony said.  “You ever think about picking them up, throwing them away?”
                “Mom ain’t never said nothing ‘bout that.”
                “I know she didn’t, so that’s why I am.  You need to do your part to keep the house clean, Reuben.  You’re fifteen, man, old enough to start paying attention to those kinds of things.”
                Reuben glanced at him.  “Sure, whatever.”
                “The garbage pickup comes every Tuesday, too.  You need to roll that bin down to the curb and let them empty it.  Right now, it’s practically spilling out of the can.”
                “Okay, whatever.”  Reuben was typing.
                “Hey, look at me.”     
                Reuben turned, frowning.  “What?”
                “Nothing in life is free.  I gave you that computer for Christmas with the expectation that you’ll start fulfilling certain responsibilities in school and around the house.”
                “Okay, yeah, whatever.”
                “Don’t ‘whatever’ me.  You know I can’t stand that.”
                Reuben saluted him mockingly.  “Yes, sir.  That better, Uncle Tony, sir?”
                “Don’t be a smart-ass.  I’m not asking you for that for much.  A few basic responsibilities.  Remember our agreement.”
                “Aye, aye, sir.”
                It was impossible