Lee and my favorite fishing rod

I share ownership of a 16' Sylvan Explorer with my neighbor, Lee. Knowing his Badluck Schleprock personality it was a gamble, but the only way to get a nicer boat than either of us could afford on our own. We usually fish together and at the end of the trips I always take care of my gear and put my rods away. For some reason, after one trip, I didn't. Lee and his wife were next to use the boat and a few days after their trip I found my favorite bluegill rod, still in the boat, with about 2 feet broken off the end. I call Lee to find out what happened (calmly, of course ) and he tells me his wife was swinging a big gill into the boat and it " just broke ". "Why didn't you tell me " I ask. " I don't know, must have forgot". About a week later Lee and wifey were passing through my yard coming back from a walk and I say to wifey " so you break my favorite rod and don't tell me, huh ". She looks at him with THAT look, you guys know the one I'm talking about, and says "you broke it, why did you tell him I did it ". All he could get out was a stammered "he won't yell at you ". I had to buy a new rod but the icy cold stare and his meek as a lamb response was almost worth it. I don't know about you guys but I'd rather take a butt chewing from a buddy than get dressed down by the wife in front of a buddy.

The old deer in a headlight look. Good story, enjoyed it. Sorry about your rod.