My heart beat faster and faster. Though Daddy’d never said it was against the rules to have friends over while he was gone, I figured I’d be better off if I didn’t give him the chance. He kept dawdling and I didn’t know why until he stopped at the door and asked, “Are you going to be all right alone?” “Yes, Daddy, God!” I snatched his lunch off the counter and held it out at arm’s length. “As soon as you leave, I’ll lock up.” “I mean that. One call from Rennie Delancie in my lifetime is more than I need.” Disappointment stuck in my throat. I’d been so happy thinking Daddy’d just known to come home and save me; it hurt to find out he hadn’t. I guess I should have known better. Daddy didn’t believe in that sort of thing. I shooed him toward the walk. “If you’re late, it’s not my fault.” Pointing as he jogged down the steps, he called back, “I mean it! Lock that door!” And I did, for the whole ten minutes it took Collette and Ben to show up.
