Chapter 55

When Noah returned with the pill, Tom swallowed it before he began to eat his lunch.

“How’s your father, Tom?” Chad said.

“It was a false alarm sort of. He should have gone home this morning.”

“False alarm?” Bobby said.

“Sort of?” Chad said.

Tom explained at length.

“Can I tell them about the little shrine in your dad’s office?” Noah said.

“Little shrine?” Bobby said.

“Tell them the story, babe,” Tom said.

Noah ran through their afternoon, starting with the visit to Mr. Foster’s office.

“Wow,” Bobby said, “that’s some story.”

“Yeah,” Tom said. “It’s certainly a lot to think about.”

“By the way, guys,” Chad said, “you’re on your own for dinner. It’s a nice warm day and we’re going to the beach.”

“That’s okay,” Tom said. “Just help me get back upstairs before you leave.”