Flashover by Dana Mentink Page B

succulent roast.
    Tim passed around a bowl of peas. “How’s the writing coming, Mrs. Beria?”
    â€œJust fine, thank you, Tim. I’m so pleased when kids e-mail to tell me they enjoy the stories or send in questions and things.”
    Ivy swallowed hard. Her mother began writing a serial story called Penny Pocket for the local paper several years ago, modeling the little girl protagonist after Sadie. She’d explained it was therapeutic, God’s way of helping her help other children. Ivy had read only one installment, recognizing instantly her sister’s bubbly personality shining through the lines. Ivy faithfully clipped every one out of the paper, putting them unread into a box under her bed.
    Roddy’s gaze was drawn to the window. “Are you expecting someone else, Mama?”
    â€œNo, honey. Why?”
    â€œI thought I saw that car pass by a couple of times. I figured you’d invited someone and they’re looking for your house.”
    Ivy’s instincts prickled. She walked to the window and peered out. A dark sedan was just disappearing around the corner. It was too far away to make out any details. Could it be the man who’d mysteriously appeared at the basketball game and the ice-cream parlor?
    Tim exchanged a glance with her, and she knew he was wondering the same thing.
    She was startled to find Mitch right behind her, staring out the window, his face painted with fear.
    He spoke to Roddy over his shoulder while continuing to look out the window. “Who was driving? Did you see?”
    Roddy helped himself to more potatoes. “No. Didn’t get a look. Why?”
    Mitch shook his head. “No reason. No reason.”
    Ivy saw the bead of sweat that rolled down Mitch’s temple as he went back to his seat. She tried to catch his eye but he sat, looking at his plate and gulping down ice water. He’s terrified about something, and I’m going to find out what it is.
    Ivy didn’t get the chance to press her cousin. After dinner she found herself elbow to elbow with Tim, handing him dishes at the sink. By the time they’d finished, Mitch had already gone.
    â€œHe didn’t say goodbye. Where did he go?”
    Her mother shook her head. “He said he had to do some paperwork before he got the fishing supplies, and away he went.”
    â€œThat’s funny. Mitch hates to do paperwork on his days off so he usually stays late to get it done during his time at work.” Ivy cast a glance at Tim, who was busily chatting with Roddy. She kissed her mom and got ready to leave. “Tim, do you want to walk with me?”
    â€œI can go partway,” he said, after a moment’s hesitation.
    Plenty of time to get the truth out of him.
    Tim started talking as soon as their feet hit the sidewalk. Ivy let him go on for a while before she corralled the conversation. “Let’s have it, Tim. What’s the matter with my cousin?”
    Tim’s eyes widened. “Why would you think I’d know that?”
    â€œBecause you and Mitch used to be best friends.”
    He looked toward the trees, outlined by the setting sun. “We aren’t so close anymore.”
    â€œWhy not?”
    â€œHe developed other interests.”
    â€œWhat interests?”
    Tim sighed. “Look, Ivy. I can’t tell you for two reasons. It’s not my place to talk about your cousin. If you want to know what’s going on in his life, you’ll have to ask him. Otherwise, it’s just gossip on my part.”
    â€œWhat’s the second reason you can’t tell me?”
    â€œI’ve got a quick coach’s meeting. Do you want to come?”
    She declined.
    â€œI’m not sure it’s a good idea for you to walk alone,” he said.
    She bristled. “I’m a tough cookie, Tim. I don’t need a bodyguard.”
    â€œAt least call my cell when you get home so I know you got there safely.” He gave her a