Page 118 of The Housekeeper

“We need to talk to our father.”

Elyse glanced over her shoulder. “He’s having a little nap right now. Is there something I can help you with?”

“No. We really need to speak to Dad.”

“And I’d really hate to disturb him.”

“It’s important.”

“So is his sleep. Are you sure this can’t wait?”

“Let’s go,” I whispered.

“Elyse, what’s happening out there?” our father called from inside.

“Daddy, hi!” Tracy shouted. “It’s Jodi and me.”

Elyse moved out of the way as our father came into view. “I tried to tell them you were having a little snooze, but…”

“What’s this about?” our father asked.

“Can we come in? It’s raining out here.”

“We’re having dinner shortly…”

Tracy checked the Cartier watch on her wrist. “Now? It’s not even five o’clock.”

“Eating early helps your father’s digestion,” Elyse explained.

“We won’t be long,” Tracy said.

“Well, then, where are our manners?” Elyse asked, stepping out of our way. “Please, come in. Why don’t you go into the living room while I check on dinner.”

We followed our father into the living room.

“I thought you said this wouldn’t take long,” he said as I was about to take off my coat.

I perched at the edge of the sofa, kept my coat on.

“Well?” he said.

“Well,” Tracy began, choosing to remain standing. “The funniest thing just happened.” She looked to me for confirmation.

I nodded and said nothing.

“We were at Holt’s,” she continued. “Jodi tried on this fabulous Alexander McQueen, and she didn’t have the money to pay for it, so I offered to put it on my card.”

My mouth fell open, but no sound emerged.

“Anyway, the long and short of it is that the card was declined. I tried to tell the saleswoman that there must be some sort of mistake, that I’ve never had a problem before, but she told me to talk to the bank. I thought I’d talk to you instead, because clearly someone got their wires crossed…”

“No wires were crossed,” our father said.

“I’m sorry?”

“I canceled the card.”

“What?”