Needed To Escape

Gabe's eyes found mine again. "No," he said, shaking his head. "I guess your dad tried to call you several times, and, when some random person answered, he freaked out and called Pops. We didn't want to worry him, so Professor Pops told your dad you lost your phone and that you were upset about him leaving again so soon and that you needed some time."

He touched my cheek with a thumb. "If you hadn't returned by tomorrow, we were going to have to tell your dad the truth."

"Good," I said, exhaling that stored up stress. I would call him tomorrow morning. "What about Gatsby? Do you know where my cat is?"

"Yeah, the poor thing came meowing at our backdoor a couple of days after you left. We've kept him with us. He's been well cared for, but he sure misses you." He took my hand.

"I can't wait to see him."

We lumbered down the stairs and headed into the kitchen.

Professor Pops and the brothers were there.

The guys smiled sheepishly, though Professor Pops looked serious.