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I glanced at the nightstand, seeing a picture frame of Claire and Benton in front of a horse Not a mare or a pony But a Clydesdale “Where was that taken?” I nodded past her shoulder to the nightstand

“Oh” She looked at it then turned back to me “That’s my dad’s horse Budweiser”

“Budweiser?” I asked with a cocked eyebrow

“Yeah,” she said with a laugh “We watch the American Super Bowl for the funny commercials They have these commercials with those horses every year So, I asked if we could call him Budweiser”

I chuckled “That’s funny”

“We have other horses too”

“Is that where you and your mom went the other day?”

“Yep”

“That’s nice You’ll have to take me sometime”

She perked up, a s?”

“Yes For a while”

“Yay!” She gave a squeal “We’ll have so much fun Maybe you can come to school with me”

“I think I’o back to school”

“My teacher says you’re never too old to learn”

“Well, that’s a good point”

A knock sounded on the open door, revealing Benton dressed in all black There was no light in his eyes, not like there usually henever he looked at his daughter “Sweetheart, coave a nod down the hallway

She jumped off the bed and followed him

So told me I should stay behind, that this didn’t involve me

But I could still hear everything

His deep voice was distinct, like aged scotch, weathered wood, ancient stones “Your ”

“Oh, okay” Claire probably hugged her mother, because she spoke with a ainst her stomach “I love you, Mom”

I closedI were in a room where I didn’t have to hear this

Beatrice’s voice ca and distinct pause “I love you too, baby”

Silence

Like they were all staring at one another

Beatrice didn’t say anything, so Benton took over “Morandparents in London” There was no anger in his voice like I expected, because all he cared about wasthe blow before it struck

“Okay,” Claire said “See you when you get back”

More silence