Daniel. Daniel said. Frank waited. Daniel waited back. Frank nodded slowly.
That explains almost nothing. Dad, what? I'm gathering information. You're interrogating evidence. Daniel glanced at Laura.
So, we're using that term publicly now. Frank's eyebrows lifted. I like him. You have known him 12 seconds. Long enough to know he can count.
Laura took off her coat. We're leaving in five minutes. Frank stepped aside. Excellent. Pie takes six.
Dad, apple. Daniel looked at Laura. She pointed at him. Do not encourage him. I haven't spoken.
You're considering it. Frank closed the door behind them. Come in, Daniel, who explains almost nothing. The living room looked exactly as Laura remembered it, except for a new lamp near the sofa and a stack of birthday cards on the piano. Daniel stopped near the hallway.
On the wall hung a framed photograph of six men in volunteer fire jackets standing beside an old red engine. Frank was younger by decades, broad-shouldered and grinning. Daniel looked at the photograph longer than he needed to. Frank noticed. He said nothing.
Laura noticed both of them noticing. She put the half-dollar on the kitchen counter. Frank saw it. His expression changed for a second. Then he opened the refrigerator.
Coffee? It's 9 at night. You say that like clocks control coffee, Daniel said. I'll take some. Laura turned.
Trader. I was promised 5 minutes. No one mentioned dehydration. Frank poured three cups. Laura began stacking the plates already sitting beside the sink.
Frank looked at her. Leave those. I'm already doing it. You just got here. Exactly.
Daniel watched the exchange. There was something practiced about it. When Bennett conversations became uncomfortable, someone found a task. Frank handed Daniel a mug. So Laura hasn't brought anyone through that door since the divorce.
The plate in Laura's hand touched the counter harder than necessary. Not enough to break. Enough. Frank's eyes moved toward her. Daniel looked at the coffee.
The room changed, but only slightly. Frank cleared his throat. I meant don't. Laura picked up another plate. Frank let the sentence die.
No apology. Not yet. Daniel took one sip. This is strong. Frank looked relieved to have somewhere else to go.
It's coffee. It may qualify as industrial equipment. Laura almost smiled despite herself. Frank did. Told you I liked him.
Daniel set the mug down. Frank's attention shifted to the wooden box near Daniel's suitcase. What brings you to Richmond? Daniel's hand rested on the lid. For the first time since the airport, the humor left his face.
I'm looking for someone. Laura leaned against the counter. Please tell me it isn't another woman whose father made a bet. Daniel nearly smiled. Then he looked at Frank.