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“Why?”
Zeke shrugged. “Who knows? She decided it was time for a family dinner—I came along to keep the peace, is all.”
Nancy called them all to dinner. The Etheridges unstrapped their various holsters and placed them on the kitchen bench—within easy reach, but not on their person. Each of them seemed to have a number of weapons. Theo noted that Mac either did not carry or refused to relinquish. She wondered which. They held hands around a table burgeoning with the meal Nancy had cooked, while she thanked God for it. The prayer did not stop there. Nancy Etheridge thanked the Almighty for many things including the “American way,” the Constitution, and the flag.
Gus caught Theo’s eye and pulled a face while the Etheridges still had their heads bowed. She was glad he was there to confirm that this was bizarre. Not unpleasant but decidedly odd.
Nancy finished by thanking the Lord for Gus and Theo and asking him to expedite the renovations on their home. “Amen” came as something of a relief.
The meal was a surprisingly sedate affair. Nancy Etheridge insisted on formal manners at the table. One person spoke at time with no breakaway conversations. And so it was difficult to avoid or deflect when Nancy raised the article on the death of Dan Murdoch.
“You know, I’ve read almost all his books, but I had no idea he lived in Lawrence.”
“I think Dan tried to keep a low profile,” Theo said.
“Tell me, sweetheart, how did you meet and fall in love?”
Theo choked slightly.
“Mom,” Mac said sharply, “that’s none of our business.”
“Nonsense. It was in the paper—it’s hardly private.”
“We both used to write in Benders,” Theo said, smiling briefly at Mac.
“The bar? I suppose it’s nice that some people still meet in bars rather than online. Harvey and I met at church of course. What church do you and Gus attend?”
Mac sighed audibly.
Zeke and Sam chuckled.
“Oh, we tag along with Mac on Sundays,” Gus responded, grinning.
Nancy looked up at ceiling and shook her head. “I’ll pray for you all.”
In a desperate attempt to change the subject, Theo asked Sam and Caleb what exactly they planned to do with cement. A beat of silence, and then Sam spoke with his eyes on his plate.
“What cement?”
“The bags you were moving…” Theo started, confused.
“What are we pretending was in the bags?” Mac asked wearily.
“Feed,” Caleb said. “Pig feed.”
Theo looked to Gus for help. He mouthed the words, “Don’t ask.” She didn’t, but she did begin to doubt the wisdom of accepting Mac’s invitation. He was terrific, but his family was as mad as cut snakes.
It was about nine o’clock when they finished eating. The Etheridges strapped on their holsters as Mac made coffee.
Gus excused himself. “I have a few briefs to go through this evening, so I might say good night.”
“I’ll go up with you,” Theo said quickly. “I’m a bit tired.”
Nancy agreed wholeheartedly. “Of course, sweetie. If you don’t mind me saying, you do look a wreck!”
Gus placed his arm around his sister, vaguely amused but slightly protective nonetheless. “You just need some sleep… Mac, you don’t mind if we—”
Mac shook his head. “For God’s sake, save yourselves.”
