Chapter 85

“Because you’ve never truly assimilated.”

“Just maybe not in the way you’d prefer. And, by the way, Luke is 17something.”

He’s still planning. “He could seek legal emancipation.” Now Jarod’s a family lawyer.

I frown. “That’s not exactly realistic.”

“There’s this great group called FIERCE for underprivileged gay kids.”

I wave this off. “He’s not underprivileged, he’s just not understood. And that name.”

“It stands for Fabulous Independent Educated Radicals for Community Empowerment.”

“Fabulosity. Radicalism. What a schizo juxtaposition. Do they wrap their pipe bombs in leopard print?”

“Forget that,” Jarod scrambles. “He works a great look. I occasionally drive this big-deal guy from the men’s division of Ford who might be able to hook him up.”

Now Jarod is an agent.

He paces. “You’re prepared to deal with the brother?”

I restate my position. “Alex is Andy’s bookend. Luke is part of Andy. I am obliged to do what I can.”