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Dallas answered it just the same “Yes” She made no attempt to defend or justify her actions

He studied her for a long, assessing second, then turned and gave a short and sharp decisive nod of his head “It’s time I had a talk with that boy”

She caught hold of his arm “Grandpa, don’t”

Empty turned in surprise, unable to recall the last time she had called him that He was even more surprised to see that her eyes had the anxious and uncertain look of a little girl

“What’s wrong, Dallas?” he asked in concern

“Nothing,” she said quickly “It’s just that…I’d like to get a couple things straight with Quint first When I do, there may not be any reason for you to talk to him”

Eh in his ways that there were soh her explanation was far from informative, he didn’t press for specifics

“I’ll wait,” he said and continued across the hall to his bedroom door

Chapter Fifteen

Thethe end of its tiriddle confir the of lance in Quint’s direction

She already kneas talking on the phone to Jessy This was one tilean what information she could fro out the sound of his voice and tuning in the chirp of the birds outside theand the noisy clurandfatherchores For the most part she succeeded

Back at the stove, Dallas turned the pancakes and transferred the sausage patties onto a plate covered with a paper towel to absorb their excess grease As she carried the plate to the table, her grandfather walked in his stocking feet, toting the egg bucket

He set the bucket on the floor and sliced a glance at Quint as he paused to shed his hat and coat “Who’s he talking to?” As usual Empty made no attempt to lower his voice

“Jessy,” Dallas told him “Better wash up Breakfast is ready Will two pancakes be enough?”

“Should do it,” Ereed and went to the sink to wash up