Page 111 of State of Alert

“The doctors are in, and no charge for you,” Vernon said with a grin for her in the mirror.

“Y’all are too good to me. So last night, Scotty told me that in his social studies class they do current events discussions that’re sometimes critical of his father, and he’s not sure how he feels about that. The teacher has told him he’s free to go to the library if he’s not comfortable, but he hates the idea of making that kind of statement in front of his classmates. He doesn’t want Nick to know about this, because he feels like his dad has enough to worry about, but Nick would want to know if Scotty is upset about something. So… I find myself in a parenting quandary with no clue what to do.”

“I defer to Vernon on this one,” Jimmy said, “as my first baby is on the way, and I wouldn’t know what to do either.”

“Oh, my young grasshoppers,” Vernon said indulgently.

“That term is trademarked,” Sam said.

They laughed.

“All your best lines are.”

“Exactly.”

“Young Scotty is in a tough spot,” Vernon said. “If there’s anything more complicated than the social lives of eighth graders, I’ve yet to encounter it.”

“Iranian relations are less complicated,” Jimmy added.

“That’s probably true,” Sam said, amused. “I feel for him because he wants to come out swinging in defense of his father, but he doesn’t want to be fighting with his classmates, many of whom are woefully uninformed about the true situation.”

“He shows a commendable amount of maturity in realizing there’s nothing to be gained by arguing with people who don’t know any better,” Vernon said. “I wonder if headphones are an option if he chooses to remove himself from the conversation without physically leaving the room.”

“That is a great idea. Wow, why didn’t I think of that?”

“You’re still new to this parenthood gig. You’ll pick up the tricks along the way. By the time the twins are in eighth grade, you’ll be an old pro.”

“I hope they still live with us then,” Sam said with a sinking feeling as she contemplated having to turn them over to grandparents who probably wanted them only for their money.

“Of course they will,” Vernon said. “There’s no way those people are going to prevail against you two. They have no idea who they’re dealing with.”

“Thank you for the vote of confidence. All this fighting wears me down. Every day brings a new battle. It’s exhausting.”

“I’m sure it is, but you two have what it takes to power through and take care of business. My money is always on you and your husband.”

“Thank you, Vernon. That means a lot coming from you.”

“You got this. Don’t let the haters get you down. You’re Sam freaking Holland Cappuano.”

Sam smiled at him in the mirror. “Yeah, and she kicks ass and takes names.”

“That’s right, and don’t you forget it.”

“I won’t.”

They pulled up to the morgue entrance a short time later.

Vernon held the door for her.

Sam turned to face him. “No one can ever take his place, but you…” Her throat tightened, and tears stung her eyes, making her thankful for sunglasses. She squeezed his arm. “Thank you.”

“My pleasure, Sam. Your dad would be so very proud.”

“Don’t make me cry.”

“Sorry. Not sorry.”

Sam laughed as she headed inside where she removed the sunglasses and wiped away tears while saying a silent thank-you to her precious father for sending Vernon to stand in his place. She liked to think such things were possible.

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