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“Looking with a machine designed to find things underground.”
“Yes.”
“And he didn't think that might lead to digging?”
“He says he had no intention of digging until he found something, and he is resolute that since he was able to remove only a few inches of soil using solely his hands, it was hardcore brushing away, as he used no other implement.”
I covered my face with one hand. “Dad! Please find a hobby that doesn't require a conversation with law enforcement!”
“He says he likes this one,” Mom replied, sounding resigned in the way of someone who knew perfectly well that the argument was already lost.
“Of course he does.”
“He's already looking into a guided tour of some historical sites.”
“Please tell me they're sites where digging is allowed.”
“I'll ask.”
“That means you haven't asked.”
“I've been busy.”
“Doing what? Making sure he doesn't buy a second metal detector in case the first one breaks?”
There was a brief silence. “How did you know?”
I shook my head, laughing again. “I love you both. I really do. But sometimes I wonder whether I should be receiving hazard pay for being your son.”
“You'd miss us if we were sensible.”
“That's a terrible argument.”
“And yet you haven't denied it.”
She had me there. For all the worry, the calls, and the increasingly unbelievable tales of Dad's adventures, I was glad they were out there enjoying themselves. They'd worked hard for years, and retirement suited them, even if Dad seemed determined to make it an endurance test for everyone within a five-mile radius. It was easier to laugh at his antics when I knew Mom was there to keep him from doing anything genuinely dangerous, although I sometimes wondered whether she was protecting him from trouble or simply making sure she had a front-row seat.
“How long are you staying in Arizona?” I asked. “Or should I be asking how long the campground is willing to keep you?”
“Another week or so, depending on whether your father finds somewhere else he wants to visit. After that, we're heading to New Mexico.”
“New Mexico? Please tell me you've checked the campground rules before making any reservations.”
“Of course I have.”
“Really?”
“Well, I've checked the websites. Your father says he wants to see some of the historic sites, and I thought we'd take our time getting there rather than rush straight through.”
“That sounds sensible. Which makes me suspicious.”
“There's no need to be suspicious, darling. I can manage your father.”
“Mom, he bought a metal detector.”
“And I haven't let him buy a shovel.”
“Yet.”
