Page 7 of To Die For

“No. I’m not eating your shitty leftovers. I want to go out to a place to eat.”

“What place?” said a startled Saxby.

“Any place.”

“But Mr. Devine wants to talk to you.”

“HesaidI can call himTravis. We can talk at the place.”

“Okay, well, let me get my coat,” said Saxby.

“No, not you. Just me and Travis.”

“That is not—” began Saxby.

Devine interjected, “Look, it’s no big deal. I passed a burger place on the next block.”

“Then I need to come.”

“No,” said Odom. “Just Travis. You can stay here and finishyourmeatballs.”

“I need to make a call,” said Saxby.

“It’s barely a hundred feet,” noted Devine.

“I still need to make a call,” Saxby reiterated.

“Then make it.”

“I’ll get ready,” said Odom enthusiastically, seemingly sensing an advantage here.

“Betsy,” began Saxby, but Odom slammed the bedroom door behind her.

Devine said, “Look, it’s just the next block. Maybe you can grab a nap.”

Saxby looked at the couch greedily. “That would be nice. But—”

The bedroom opened and Odom stood there wearing a faded blue ski jacket and chunky tennis shoes.

“I’m ready.”

“Let’s go,” said Devine.

Saxby picked up her phone. “Can you just wait until I get the okay?”

Devine looked at her. “If the Bureau has a problem with this, just text me and we’ll bring the food back.”

Outside, the two turned right and walked to the next block.

“That lady’s a wacko,” said Odom as she clipped back her hair.

“No, she’s just trying to keep you safe.”

“From what exactly?”

Good question, thought Devine.Maybe your uncle who wants to adopt you.

They entered the red-and-blue-tiled burger place and stood in line.

---