Page 107 of Evil Bones
“Jesus, Mom. I didn’t call for a movie review.”
“What does Kit say?” Ignoring the prickly rebuke, I queried my nephew’s take on the issue.
“Ruthie’s doting Papá is currently at a camp outside Yemassee, South Carolina, fishing for drum. The place is so remote there’s no cell signal.I think that’s part of the appeal. While he’s off the grid I’m supposed to direct any questions about Ruthie to her grandmother.”
“Okay. What does Harry say?”
“She’s cool with it. But your loosey-goosey sister would be cool with flying to Pamplona to run with the bulls. No offense intended.”
“None taken.” Katy was right. Harry wasn’t the best judge of what was adolescent appropriate.
“Besides Lester Meloy, have you talked with others in that group?” I asked.
“Just a woman named Danielle Hall. And only to exchange greetings when she came to pick up Ruthie.”
“What is it you’d like me to do?”
“I’ve invited Meloy and Hall to join Ruthie and me for a picnic dinner at Freedom Park. I want you to come.”
“When?”
“Tonight.”
“Ryan’s flight has been delayed and I’m not sure when he’ll arrive.” Read: I’d rather not.
“No problem. You’ll actually be closer to the airport.”
“Katy, I—”
“I’ll see you at seven.”
Dead air.
Less than an hour later, Ryan called.
“Hey.”
“Allô, mon amour.”
“What’s the latest?” Reading his tone, I knew the news wouldn’t be good.
“I just spent forty minutes on the freaking phone with freaking American Airlines.”
“You spoke to an actual human being?” I was astounded he’d accomplished this given that every passenger from the ferret trip was trying to rebook.
“Her name was Ardeth. Don’t ask how I managed the miracle of live contact.”
I didn’t.
“According to Ardeth, every flight into Charlotte is sold out until tomorrow afternoon.
“Did you try the website?”
“That’s where I started.”
I said nothing.
“The lovely Ardeth was very sorry.”
