number, my hand

rd ring, his voice soun

erything

hing about a 'Thompson

ther end. A long

ad

voice too casual. "That's just

ice was rising. "And why

name for some paperwork. For a small side busines

ed, my apartment application was

e's an unpaid tax bill and a

one shifting to placating. "I'm sure Rick can ex

ing I was now l

n, without my permission, Dad.

about needing some help,

out any LLC, or making me

He probably told Dad some half-truth, and Dad, wanting

My new job, my apartment,

Q is next week. Rick will be there. We c

out. Lik

ng this wouldn't