Bill was taken aback by the sudden embrace, but he accepted it gratefully, noting with concern how thin his father seemed to be, how little hair he had left. "I know," he said guiltily, feeling emotion catch in his own throat as he tightened the hug. "I'm sorry. It was the only way I could get out without them taking it out on our family. If it helps any, it was Charlie's dumb idea," he added, with a weak chuckle.