“I mean, did we have to go across town for the burgers?” I say, running an exasperated hand through my hair as I stand on the side of the road, staring at the steaming engine of Victor’s Jeep. “We had to get the best, mom,” Alvin says sternly, ready to jump to his dad’s defense. The boys were thril
“What are you doing?” Victor asks. “Adventure,” I say, looking at him with wide eyes as if it’s obvious. “Come on!” With that, I head into the grassy meadow next to the car, which runs for what looks like miles in every direction. “Evelyn,” Victor says, his voice low with warning. “This doesn’t s
“Did you fall asleep too?” I whisper to Victor. “No,” he murmurs beside me, his voice low, luxurious. “But I might. I can’t remember the last time I was this…relaxed.” I shift myself, turning a little so that I can look at him. I can make out the curve of his long, straight nose, his firm lips, hi
Victor straightens his tie and clears his throat. God damnit, he thinks, pay attention, Victor. For the life of him, he can’t seem to keep his mind on the subject at hand. For some reason – Well, God damnit, I know the reason, he thinks, gritting his teeth – He just can’t seem to focus on the con
Victor’s eyes shift to Willard, noticing that he makes no such denial of personal conversation with Walsh. Instead, Willard’s smile grows, taking pleasure in watching Victor struggle under this new revelation. Victor’s rage grows inside him and his claws begin to emerge from his fingertips, scrapin
“Daddy!” They yell, wrapping their arms in hugs around his legs. Victor laughs, greeting them, feeling his stress almost melt away. “Hey boys, good day at school?” he asks. “Yes, it was awesome,” Ian says, grinning up at him. The door creaks again and Victor looks up to give Evelyn a smile as well
“Yes, they were picked up half an hour early. I got word of it this morning from the office, it was all planned.” My mind races, trying to find an explanation. Did Victor? But no – he would have told me – I snap my eyes back to Mrs. Kay’s face, feeling my emotions turn to steel. “Where are they.”
Two hours later, our convoy pulls into my father’s driveway. Almost before the car stops, I yank off my seatbelt and start to open my door, desperate to know if they’re here. “Evelyn –“ Victor calls as I jump step out of the car, slamming the door behind me. I hear him open his own door as I quick