Page 134 of State of Retribution

While they ate, Sam sipped her coffee and chatted with them about everything and nothing.She didn’t care what they talked about, it was always entertaining and often comical.Thankfully, Aubrey didn’t get into the recent chicken-and-egg conversation again while she ate.

“I got invited to a sleepover at Jonah’s house this weekend,” Scotty said.“Is that something I’m allowed to do?”

Her first impulse was to say no way because she didn’t want him anywhere but with them, but she knew better than to say that.“Do we know Jonah’s parents?”

“Yeah, you met them at the rink.I think their names are Denise and Mike.”

“Can you get his mom’s number for me, and then I’ll talk to Debra and see what we can do.”

“Okay.I’d really like to go.”

“If we can make it happen, we will.”

“Thank you.”

“I’m sorry everything is a hassle.”

“It’s fine.There are more perks than hassles.We have our own movie theater, for crying out loud.”

“This is true.Any time you want to have your friends here, you can, you know.It’s easier for them to come here.”

“I know, but sometimes they want to do things at their houses, too.”

“I understand.”

“Dad said you guys wanted to talk to me later about high school.What’s up with that?”

“Nothing much.The Secret Service is starting to prepare for the transition, and they had a few questions.”

“Oh, okay.As long as they aren’t wanting me to go somewhere other than Eastern.”

Sam tried to school her expression and must have failed, because he pounced immediately.

His brown eyes went wide.“Is that it?”

“We shut it down.Don’t worry.”

He gave her a wary look.“Are you sure?”

“Positive.We know exactly what you want and acted accordingly.Don’t spend your day worrying about that.We’ll fill you in later.”Sam hugged him tightly and kissed the top of his head.

“You’re sure there’s nothing to worry about?”

“I’m positive.We were very clear with them.”

“Thank you for that.”

“Anything for you, kid.Get me that number for Jonah’s mom, okay?”

“Okay.”

“Love you.”

“Love you, too.”

Debra came to collect him, and off they went to another day of middle school.

Sam couldn’t believe he’d start high school in September.They’d have only six years in total at home together, which wasn’t anywhere near enough for her.She sent the twins to brush their teeth and wash their faces while she put lunch boxes in backpacks.

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