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

much in winter. Maybe you could take on those things and
help around the house in exchange for room and board?”
Greta’s eyes darted to Ash, reading his thoughts. “If it’s
easier for you, Mr. Doyle, Elgin”—she paused—“we could
work for you and still stay in the basement. We’re kind of
used to the cold now, and we don’t want to, uh, disturb you.”
“That’s very thoughtful,” Elgin said, “but I may have to
move your belongings into the garage and rent out this space.

You see, I have other…financial obligations.”
Greta nodded, trying to digest what he’d said. Could they
live with Elgin? All the plants? The lack of pants? They’d lived
with Patty and survived. “Thanks so much for that. Can I just
talk to my brother for a minute?”
Elgin nodded and left. Not like they had much choice. No,
Elgin, we prefer to keep living in your basement for free. ADVANCE READING COPY

The second they heard the upstairs door close, Ash turned
to Greta. “I don’t know, Greta. He’s kind of weird.”
“We’re weird, Ash,” she snapped. “Is anything about us
or our lives normal?” When he didn’t answer, she said, “He’s
just an old man. I’m pretty sure the two of us can take him if
he tries anything.”
“So we’re going to live with our landlord,” he said, his
voice flat.
“I don’t see that we exactly have a choice until we get

jobs or Aunt Lori comes back. It’s either Elgin or a tarp under
a bridge.”
Ash sighed and shook his head. “This just gets better and
better.”

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