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Jerry was snoring lightly on the couch as Die Hard played in the background, a bowl of popcorn resting on Dustin’s lap, when the phone rang.

“Laney!” he said, knowing it would be her.

“Merry Christmas, baby brother,” she said.

“Happy birthday, big sister,” he said back. “How was the concert?”

“It was wonderful,” Laney sighed, “but the roads are really bad so we're staying at Cary’s tonight.”

“Is Cary home?” Dustin asked, worry in his voice.

“No."

“Ma?”

“Nah,” Laney said, sounding happy. “Just me and Shane.” She giggled.

“You’re gross,” he scowled.

“Shane?” Laney said, her voice sounding faraway. She wasn’t talking into the phone.

“No,” came another voice.

The hair on the back of Dustin’s neck stood up.

“Nick?” Laney’s voice sounded funny. “What are you doing here?”

Then the line went dead.