page80 (1/2)

Then silence Thankfully, Dad chose that moment to arrive

“Ah, the Martens So good to see you all” He picked up on the tone of the roo?”

Mark didn’t waste any ti into it “Your son wants me to move my car Says it’s doesn’t fit in with the ‘vibe’”

“Did you say that, Sam?”

“I siht it would be weird to have a car like that parked out front”

Dad stepped over and looked out the“Ah, an ’85 Lincoln Mark VII Hell of a car Haven’t seen one in that good of shape, though”

Mark was as shocked as the rest of us “You know your cars?”

Dad tilted his head to the side “A little here and there Enough to know a good one when I see it Sam, let the man park his car wherever he wants”

“But, Dad—”

“Matter’s settled I want our guests to feel welco the exact opposite of that”

Sam didn’t say another word And I liked it that way Kid was being a brat

“Now,” said Dad “Let’s all get a drink There’s soet on with our evening”

I could tell by Dad’s tone of voice that it was iroup out of the entrance and toward the study Cass lagged behind, and I quickly hurried to get her attention and keep her back

“Hey” I waited until the rest of the group had gone before continuing “You OK? So seems up with you”

“Oh, huh? I’ht be a little tired” That wasn’t a good sign—in ht away, ita lie

“Are you sure? Because it’s important that we’re in co I need to knoant you to tell me”

She glanced away and shook her head “Nothing The usual”

“Promise?”