Variously weighted with lies, guns, and groceries, the three of them were a small and solemn troop

Variously weighted with lies, guns, and groceries, the three of them were a small and solemn troop

In the world of Thomas Harris, known for his dark and twisted tales of crime and psychological horror, the phrase "Variously weighted with lies, guns, and groceries, the three of them were a small and solemn troop" takes on a chilling and ominous tone. Harris is a master of creating complex and morally ambiguous characters, and this description hints at the dangerous and secretive nature of the trio in question.

The idea of being "variously weighted with lies, guns, and groceries" suggests that these three individuals are burdened with a mix of deception, violence, and mundane tasks. The juxtaposition of these elements creates a sense of unease and tension, as if the characters are constantly balancing on a knife's edge between the ordinary and the sinister.

The use of the word "troop" also adds to the sense of foreboding. A troop is typically associated with a group of soldiers or scouts, suggesting that these characters are united in a common purpose or mission. However, the adjective "small and solemn" implies that this is not a lighthearted or noble endeavor. Instead, it suggests a sense of gravity and seriousness, as if the characters are engaged in something dark and dangerous.