“Mark left for the lake resort three hours ago,” I said, sitting down on the top porch step.

Grace sat down next to me, the rich smell of simmered chicken and fresh celery rising from the ceramic pot between us.

“He took his mother and Evelyn with him?” Grace asked.

“He took them both,” I said.

“He told Ruth he was treating her to a fancy birthday weekend at the resort.”

“With whose money?” Grace asked, lowering her voice so the kids in the yard wouldn’t hear.

“With my line of credit,” I said.