I didn’t react right away. You learn not to trust scraps.
“You sure that’s what she said?”
“She was chewing gum.”
“So no.”
Still, I got back in the car and turned west.
Dad leaned forward so far I could feel his breath near my ear.
“If Tyler’s there first, we need to move fast.”
“You and what speed?”
“I’m serious.”
“You’re old.”
“Still your father.”
“Unfortunate.”
The road changed after that. Fewer farms. More trees. Narrow lanes. Broken fences. Signs for towns too small to matter.
Mom started talking about what she’d say when we found Belle.
“I’d ask where she’s been. Then I’d ask what she has left. Then I’d tell her family comes first.”
I almost drove into a ditch hearing it.
“She’s not handing over money because you cry at her,” I said.
“She owes us.”
“She left you. Th
