Page 117 of The Housekeeper

Chapter Forty-six

“Where are yougoing?” Tracy demanded as I headed west along Bloor toward Avenue Road. It was almost five o’clock and getting dark. A light rain was starting to fall.

“I’m taking you home.”

“No way. We’re going to Dad’s. We’re straightening this out right now.”

“I’m not sure that’s a very good idea.”

“I’m not asking your permission.”

“It’s my car,” I reminded her. “I’m the one driving.”

“Fine. Drive me to Dad’s. You don’t have to come inside, if you’re too much of a coward.”

“I’m not a…Fine. I’ll drive you to Dad’s.”

Ten minutes later, I pulled up in front of our father’s house. “Here you are.”

She reached for the door handle, then didn’t move. “You’re really not coming in with me?”

“I’m really not.”

“Please?”

“No.”

“You’re not going to tell him about Elyse? That she lied about her references?”

“Not till we know where we stand legally. Not till we have a plan.”

“Okay,” she conceded. “We’ll just deal with the credit card issue.”

“Okay,” I agreed.

Again, she didn’t move. “So, are you coming with me or not?”

“Tracy…”

“You don’t have to say a thing. I promise I’ll do all the talking. Just be there for, you know, support.”

I sighed. We both knew that it was just a matter of time before I gave in. “What are you going to say?” I said, stalling. “You should have some idea what you’re going to tell Dad before we go inside.”

“A plan, right? Like you said before.” Tracy thought for a few seconds. “Okay. I’ll tell him the truth, that I went to use my credit card at Holt’s, like I always do, and it was declined. Then I’ll ask him if he could please look into it. How’s that?”

I sighed again. “I guess that’s okay.”

“Thank you. You’re the best.”

“You’re doing all the talking,” I reminded her as she exited the car.

She was ringing the bell as I came up behind her.

Seconds later, Elyse opened the door. “Tracy! Jodi! This is a surprise.” She made no move to usher us inside.

“Can we come in?” Tracy asked.

“Is something wrong?”