Chapter 21
The walk from the university passed in a blur of chatting and giggling. Mary and Sam dissected every possible candidate for her mysterious benefactor, their theories growing more outlandish with each block, until they arrived at Mary’s doorstep breathless with laughter.
They took off their shoes and placed their bags on the entryway shelving when the front door burst open. Wes and Gabe tumbled inside, their full force energy freezing mid-air as they saw their mother and Sam waiting in the hallway. They looked instantly, guilty.
“Hey, boys,” Sam said brightly, breaking the silence.
Their eyes darted between their mom and her friend, a silent conference. “Mom,” Wes began, his voice tinged with confusion. “I thought you had that meeting tonight.”
“I do,” Mary said, ushering them fully inside. “That’s why …
