George answered questions for Lennie so much that the boss thought George would take Lennie's pay (Steinbeck 22). George lied to the chief and told him that Lennie was his cousin and that he cared for him because he was kicked in the head by a horse when he was a child (Steinbeck 22). George also lied to the boss about why he and Lennie left their old jobs in Weed (McMurray; Steinbeck 40). George's wife and Curley exchanged a few words in the dorm before Curley came in and started arguing with Lennie ("Stage"; Steinbeck 48). Curley's wife poses a threat to George and Lennie's dream by bringing with her the harsh reality of the outside world and piquing Lennie's interest ("Stage"; Steinbeck