A volunteer from the school helped the kids into the car. They scrambled into their seats and buckled in.
“Tug on your belts, please,” Hadley said as if they were passengers on a theme park ride.
Ryder did and then leaned forward slightly. “Guess what happened today, Aunt Hadley?”
His excitement level suggested it was something big. “What?”
“Chloe Gold had a bloody nose at recess.” He made a face. “It was so gross.”
“No one hit her,” Audra explained in her seven-going-on-seventeen tone.
“She has infected sinuses,” Ryder added.
Audra snorted. “A sinus infection, silly.”
“I’m not silly.”
“Then you’re stupid,” Audra shot back.
Hadley cringed. “Kids…”
“Am not!” Ryder yelled.
“Are too.”
Hadley cleared her throat and then pulled over to the side of the road. No way could she drive and talk to them at the same time the way Fallon did.
“Aunt Hadley.” Audra sounded scandalized. “You’re blocking someone’s driveway. You’ll get in trouble. They might arrest you.”
“We won’t be here long enough to get in trouble.” Hadley shifted positions so she could see the kids, who were sending dagger-filled glances at each other. “If the police come, I’ll explain why I had to stop.”
Both kids’ faces paled and guilty expressions formed. Ryder’s bottom lip stuck out in a huge pout.
Hadley’s gaze bounced between them. “Your mother doesn't allow you to use the word stupid.”
A smug expression spread across Ryder’s face. “Audra said it, not me.”
“Your mom also doesn’t like when you and your sister fight,” Hadley added in case Ryder thought he was an innocent party. Disagreeing was one thing, but name-calling was a big no-no. The kids knew this.
Audra sighed. “I’m sorry for saying that, Aunt Hadley, and whoever else is in the front seat.”
Blaise appeared to be trying not to laugh. She enjoyed seeing him relaxed, though she wished it was under better circumstances. “I’m texting Lex to make sure he knows everything is okay.”
“Thanks.”
The bodyguard storming up to the car would frighten the kids. Months after Clint’s arrest, sirens continued to scare Ryder and flashing lights upset Audra. No doubt she mentioned the police because of what happened to their dad.
And to them.
“Who’s Lex?” Audra asked, ever curious.
“Let’s stay on-topic.” Hadley kept her gaze on her niece. “You apologized but not to the person you offended. What are you going to do about that?”
As Audra’s narrow shoulders sagged, her mouth twisted. She stared at her brother. “I'm sorry, Ryder. You’re not stupid.”
Ryder nodded once. “I’m not, and I forgive you.”
That didn’t take long. Hadley noticed the black SUV through the hatchback window.
