CHAPTER 13
He was about to press the bell again when the door eased open, and a nervous looking man stood before him.
“Mr. Drake. What a surprise!”
Though he bore no resemblance to his son for obvious reasons, Alan Drake recognized Kevin Pritchet from parent-teacher conferences. He was probably a few years older than Alan but looked younger. That’s the price you pay for being a teacher, he thought. He only has one kid to raise, whereas I have about sixty different ones each year.
“Afternoon, Mr. Pritchet.” Alan hadn’t expected rain today and therefore left his umbrella at home. The short walk to the house from the curb where he’d parked his car saw him drenched, and he stood shivering on the doorstep. “I’m sorry to trouble you, but might I come in for a moment? I’m here on behalf of Jeff.” He folded his arms across his chest to fight the chill of September rain.
Kevin stepped onto the porch. “Well, now isn’t a good time, I’m afraid. Besides, Jeff isn’t here right now.”
Al
