Chapter 129

“In that case I don’t suppose it’ll help to ask for a room away from all the noise.” Mark gave a rueful grin, the epitome of the good old boy, and I waited to hear what kind of story he would tell. “Ol’ Danny Boy here, he needs his rest. Five kids, all under five.” He leaned an elbow on the counter and said in a conspiratorial tone, “His old lady was supposed to pop out their fifth this weekend, today, as a matter of fact, and we didn’t think we’d be able to make it, but she surprised us by having it last week.”

I coughed, an attempt to conceal my amusement at the very large family I had suddenly acquired, and Mark gave me a bland stare and continued.

“Her mother was supposed to come take care of the kids while Nell was in the hospital, but she got tied up at home, and we weren’t sure…. And then on top of that, we really had to scramble to get tickets.”

“Our seats are in the nosebleed section,” I added helpfully.

The clerk looked confused. “But the arena isn’t—”