“No, it’s not fair. I should keep them closer.” Besides not bothering Richard, who’s been working meticulously on the Native American basket collection, I also want to keep them far away from whoever’s involved in the potential artifact laundering that’s going on.
I hear one of the docents in the echoing front hallway. “Are you Steve Webb? The goalie? Oh, my goodness. I thought I recognized you!”
I rush out to the entrance to save my brother and sister-in-law from interrogation by Roger. He’s a volunteer who helps out with the historic photography collection. A retired professor, he’ll talk your ear off. I know how busy Steveand Stacey are with birthday party planning, so I don’t want to leave them at Roger’s mercy any longer than necessary.
“Hi, you two!” I exclaim, running out to hug them both. My brother wraps me in a big bear hug.
“You’re dressed up,” Stacey notes, her eyebrows raising. “Do you have a hot date tonight?”
“That’s funny,” I say with a sarcastic laugh. Matt and Stasia have followed me out into the hallway and so has Richard.
The professor’s ears perk up at the mention of me going on a date. He steps forward, saying, “Well, the whole crew’s about to stage a mutiny and force Izzie to go out for happy hour. If you want to call that a hot date.”
“Hardly,” I say with a laugh. Richard pushes himself forward next to me, offering his hand to Steve and Stacey and introducing himself. His pushy impatience annoys me, especially since I was mere moments from politely introducing him.
“And how do you know Izzie?” Stacey asks, her eyebrows in her hairline. Confusion is written all over her face as her head bobbles between the professor and me.
Steve is having none of this, though. Like my other brothers, he thinks I made a huge mistake by leaving Wolfe. He stares at Richard now, sizing him up with a sour scowl.
“You’re pretty young to be a docent,” Steve remarks drily. “But I guess it takes all kinds to be an incel.”
I cover my mouth, trying to suppress the shocked laughter his comment produces. Leave it to Steve.
Richard stares at him in earnest, and I realize he has no clue what an incel is. I’m not about to explain it, either. Fortunately, his ego gets the better of him, and he says, “Actually, I’m an associate professor in the Anthropology Department at Sac State. I’ll be up for tenure soon.”
“Okay, cool,” Steve dismisses, turning to me. “Sorry to cut this short, but we’ve still got a ninety-minute drive.”
“Thank you for coming and getting the kids. They’re so excited about this weekend.”
Stacey grabs each of my children’s hands, and we all head out, leaving Roger and Richard talking to each other. At my Toyota, Steve says, “No offense, but that Richard guy’s a weirdo. That’s probably your thief right there.”
“Shhh,” I say, frantically looking at the kids. “How do you even know about that?”
He shrugs. “Kurt.”
“Okay, well, can we keep that between us for the moment?”
“I don’t get it. What thief?” Matt asks, glomming on with child-like precision to the one word in the sentence I didn’t want him to hear.
I shake my head, frowning. “Thanks, bro,” I mouth silently.
I retrieve the kids’ overnight bags from the back of my car. Steve grabs them, throwing one over each shoulder. “I think that’s everything. Can you think of anything else you need?”
“Did we remember to pack my pajamas and slippers, Mama?” Stasia asks gravely. She’s always been my little worrier.
“I don’t know. Daddy was the one who helped you this morning. Do you want to check your bag?” Soon, I’m rifling through her bag. But everything’s packed with military precision, and extra clothes abound. I kneel in front of her. “You and Daddy did a great job. You have everything you need. You’re going to have so much fun with Maddy and Aunt Stacey!”
“That’s right, sweetie, we’re having the ultimate slumber party—princess movies, popcorn, hair curlers, fingernail polish, you name it.”
“Oh, great!” Matt howls dramatically. “Can I juststay with Daddy and go fishing instead?” He looks up at me with Wolfe’s pleading, hazel eyes, and it takes everything in me to shake my head.
I ruffle his earth-colored locks. “You’re going to have a great time. Besides, how will your cousin Mitch survive the girl party without you?” Hearing about Mitch doesn’t make him feel any better.
“He’s two years younger than me and doesn’t even like Legos or Pokemon,” Matt replies ruefully.
I turn towards him, kneeling. “You two will have a blast. You always do. Do you have Mr. E with you?”
Matt nods emphatically. “Yep, I made sure to pack him this morning.”
