He met my eyes. “Philip?” “He’s fine,” I said, the numbness starting to wear off. I jogged over to the phone on the kitchen wall. Maybe I could call for help. Maybe I could save Mom. But when I picked up the receiver, it was completely dead. A quick examination showed me that the Triple Danger had cut the phone wires. Damn it. “Where’s your phone?” “They took it from me after they crucified me on your door.” Dad didn’t carry a phone. He hated the things. And Mom’s purse wasn’t hanging by the door, so I could only assume it was missing too. Damn it! The only means for saving Mom. “Watch the door and. . . I’m going to spend a few minutes with Mom.” “I’ll try and fix the wires and call for help as soon as I get free. You take care of your mom.” Trecheon frowned. “Neil, you have to know I tried. I didn’t--” “First-day-hire, right?” I said. It wasn’t his fault. I knew it wasn’t. “Can’t compete with CEOs.” I turned my back on Trecheon and paused.
