Page 109 of Pelvic Flaws

Isaac’s head shot up, his eyes darting between me and his mum.

“What?”

“You heard your mom,” I laughed. “Is that Scarlet you’re texting?”

“No. Why would I text Scarlett. I know my hours for next week. I don’t need to text Scarlett.” His face had gone a lovely shade of red, and if Katie and I hadn’t already witnessed their coordinated peeing sessions in the bar, his embarrassment would have given him away.

“Because,” Katie said, leaning closer to him, “you’re having sex with her and I have a feeling you’re hoping to escape there once dinner is over.”

“I…I…how do you…what makes you think that?”

He ran a hand through his hair, swallowing hard, knowing he’d been rumbled.

“Because,” Katie replied. “I noticed how you went to the toilet together and that you were both the same color as her knickers, which Dex noticed were in your pocket, when you came back.”

Isaac’s hand immediately went to his front jeans’ pocket, as though Scarlett’s knickers were still there.

“Busted, buddy.” I laughed and slapped Isaac on the back. “Just don’t bring any crap to work if it goes wrong.”

Isaac was evidently speechless, simply nodding at us with wide eyes.

“Now help clear the table before you get back to your sexting,” Katie said. “And make sure you’re good to her- and be careful.”

Isaac grinned, the sort of grin only a nineteen-year-old getting his rocks off every night could give, and helped his brother and sister clear the dishes away.

* * *

Katie had just poured some coffee, when my cell rang. I looked to see that it was international again, but this time I recognized it as a Houston area code. Sam had retired to Houston, so I wondered if it was him trying to contact me on a different number. He was almost eighty now, and wasn’t in the best of health.

I flashed my phone at Katie. “I think this might be Sam, my ex-boss. You okay if I take it?”

“Yes, of course.” She flashed me a warm smile. “Go into the lounge, it’ll be quieter.”

Her gaze went to Charlie, who was giggling hysterically at something Annie had said. I stood up, leaned across the table to kiss her cheek, and then answered my phone as I left the room.

“Hey, it’s Dex,” I said, closing the kitchen door behind me as I stepped into the hall.

“Dexter John Michaels, previously of 2399, Thomas Avenue, Dallas?” A guy with a clipped tone asked.

“Yeah, it is. Is this about Sam Daniels?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Michaels, I don’t know who that is. This is Houston Social Services, would it be okay for me to ask you some security questions?”

“Social Services?” I scratched at my head. “What the hell is this about?”

“I’m sorry, Mr. Michaels, I can only tell you that if you answer the questions.” The guy’s tone was sharp and to the point.

“But I want-.”

“Please sir, let me ask you the questions and then I can tell you what the call is about.”

I hesitated for a few seconds and then with a sigh said, ‘fine’.

He asked me for date of birth, my social security number, and Mom’s maiden name. I obviously passed because then he stunned me.

“It’s about your daughter, Mr. Michaels. We have her in a foster home and thought that you should know.”

Katie

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