Chapter 36

It was growing dark by the time we started on the way back, but neither of us cared. And I felt much better, so I picked up the speed a bit. It wasn’t too late by the time we got back, and I decided to take us back to my house, so I could leave the car and walk Adele home, or take her on the bike if she wanted to be quicker.

I parked the car in the drive where I got it, and as I stepped out of the car, I held my hand out to Adele so she could join me.

“Mom could be waiting for me at home,” she pointed out.

I shrugged. “You won’t be staying long, just for a little bit. You could come in for some water, at least. I’ll take you home myself in a bit.”

Without further argument, she took my hand, and I led her to the door. I reached for the handle to open the door. It was unlocked, so I assumed Dad was still at home, and not out somewhere, trying to talk Laurie to get back together with him. He’d have locked the door if he left; I knew where the spare house key was.

When I opened the door,