Page 240 - My FlipBook

L IS A J. L A W R E N C E

one had gone. Elgin looked to Roger for his thoughts, while
Alice brightened the same way she had at the prospect of
spray paint. “I’ll stay. Who’s this?” She wormed her way past
Greta and Ash to size up Roger.
“Our father,” Greta said, to spare Ash from having to say
the word.
“Oh.” Her face fell. “You guys are really draining the
swamp lately, aren’t you?”

“Alice!” This from Elgin.
“What? You know what this guy—”
“Come sit down, all of you.” Elgin motioned them to the
table and pulled out chairs for them.
Once they all were sitting, everyone went silent. In
family councils with Patty, Ash would pull out things like
“I bet you’re all wondering why I’ve called this meeting,” until ADVANCE READING COPY

Patty lost it. Now he didn’t look in Roger’s direction at all.
“So. Your father’s back and would like to assume respons-
ibility for you,” Elgin began.
“He still owes you money! A month’s rent,” Ash sput-
tered. “Not to mention groceries, utilities…” Alice nodded
like they were just getting started.
Elgin interjected before Ash could continue. “We’ve worked
out a plan to pay that back. This is about your family now.”
“I’ve signed a lease on a house,” Roger said cautiously.

Greta had started to wonder if he’d speak at all. “It’s available
at the end of the month. I’ll be ready to put in an offer to buy
it by September.”
“Give us one good reason we should trust you,” Ash said.

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