Quote 10
Keller: I want a clean start for you, Chris. I want a new sign over the plant – Christopher Keller, Incorporated.
Chris: [a little uneasily] J.O. Keller is good enough. (1.583-4)
Chris's deceit lies in his refusal to investigate his own suspicions. He won't accuse his father of wrongdoing, yet he doesn't want his name dragged into the business.
Quote 11
Keller: There are certain men in the world who rather see everybody hung before they'll take blame. You understand me, George? (2.430)
We want to scream: you're talking about yourself! You're talking about yourself!
Quote 12
Keller: I want him to know, Annie… while he's sitting there I want him to know that when he gets out he's got a place waitin' for him. It'll take his bitterness away. To know you got a place… it sweetens you. (2.158)
So what do you think: How much of this is Joe truly reaching out to his old colleague? How much of it is Joe covering his tracks?