Chapter 31

Emma's thoughts lingered on Tommy until she crossed the city limits sign. The sun was just beginning to set, reminding her that she had missed the boys' bed time. She hoped her mother was not too annoyed with her. Her father would have expected mother to be home hours ago to make his dinner.

She told the Bluetooth to play back her messages. There were five from Steve, each growing more annoyed in tone as the day wore on. The last was the call Emma and Tommy had heard from the bed.

A little after eleven:

"Talked to the Christian Revolution. They've promised to make Alvarez back off."

A little before one:

"Turns out there's a reporter from the Austin Statesman in town just for the day. Can you make a five o'clock meeting?"

1:45:

"Emma, I really need you at this meeting. Where are you?"

At 4:30:

"Damn it, Emma. Are you ignoring me on purpose?"

And then twenty minutes to eight:

"You're mother texted me at five-thirty, Emma, right in the middle of the damn meeting with the Austi