“Good morning, Claire, dear, how are those two precious little angels doing down there in the heat?” Joanie asked warmly.

“The babies are fine, Joanie, but I’m calling because I need you to tell me the honest truth about what Peter said to you about Austin,” I said, getting right to it.

The line went silent for a moment, and I could hear a television playing game shows faintly in the background of her little living room.

“About Austin coming up to stay with me for a little while?” Joanie asked carefully, her cheerful tone slipping a bit.

“Yes, exactly that,” I answered, pressing the phone hard against my ear.