I noticed the keys then, sitting by the fruit bowl where someone had dropped them.

A silver tag stamped with the rental company’s logo and the number twelve in black marker.

I had not seen them before.

“Someone is expecting a crowd,” I said.

Douglas laughed.

“A crowd is right.

You should hear the plans these kids have.” He looked at the keys, then at me, and his smile thinned at the edges.

“Van’s just for the airport run.