“Mom said you were staying at the military housing near base,” Chloe whined.

“Why are you turning dinner into some big federal case?”

Evelyn leaned over and patted my forearm with a damp paper napkin.

“Let’s not spoil a family meal talking about utility bills,” Evelyn said, her voice climbing into an extra-cheerful pitch.

“Your father only wants to be sure everybody has a safe place to live.”

Richard got up from the patio table, wiping his hands on a cloth napkin.

“Leah,” he said.