“Honey, I don’t know what that is,” said Lyra staring at the credit card bill.
“I don’t either,” said Harlow.“We haven’t been shopping anywhere except the General Store and that’s automatically charged to our accounts.”
“That’s a lot of damn money for none of us to know where it came from,” said Abe.“We just happened to be talking about a strange charge on our cards this morning while running and then we decided to compare.It’s the same company.NuGame Inc.”
“Yeah, but more than three-thousand dollars on our card?” said Harlow.“NuGame?Could it be gaming?”
“The boys wouldn’t do that, would they?” asked Lyra.
“I can’t see a scenario where they would,” said Nate, “but they’re teenagers.I’m not going to say they absolutely wouldn’t.Are they in school?”
“Yes, they left about an hour ago.They both had track practice this morning.Their phones are over there, just like we ask,” smiled Harlow.None of the kids were allowed to take their phones to school unless they were doing a field trip.
With the trackers on them, teachers hired by the team, and a full group of men and women watching their every move, they felt it was an unnecessary step to have it distracting them in class.
“Okay,” nodded Nate.“I’ll check with them when they get back.In the meantime, let’s give their phones to the boys and see what they come up with.”
“What are you two up to today?” asked Abe.
“Actually,” smiled Lyra, “if you can believe it, Harlow and I are crossing paths in our professions.”
“How does that work?” smirked Abe.“Interior design and criminal justice?”Harlow smiled at the two men.
“Lyra ordered some fabrics, very costly fabrics, for a client in New Orleans.They were to be delivered to her home so that she could ensure the measurements were correct and then they were to meet there to make the drapes and bedspreads,” smiled Harlow.
“I’m guessing that didn’t turn out so well,” said Nate.
“Nope.What showed up wouldn’t cover a paper bag and don’t even get me started on the quality.The vendor said they sent fifty-two yards, which is an absolute lie.”
“So, you’re going to sue,” smirked Nate.
“Oh, we’re going to do way more than that,” grinned Harlow.
The women waved at them as they exited the room.The two men chuckled, shaking their heads.Whoever the vendor was, they were about to get a megalodon dose of nasty.
“What do you think is up with these charges?” asked Nate.“I just can’t imagine Cooper or Quinn doing this.These kids are headed to SEAL training in the next few months if things work out for them.They’re smart, responsible, and would never charge this kind of money to our credit cards.”Abe shook his head, frowning.
“I’m not sure but I’m like you.I don’t believe for a second that these boys charged it intentionally.But, I guess we’re about to find out.”
Later that afternoon when the boys returned from school, Abe and Nate were waiting to speak with them.
“How was school?” asked Abe.
“Great,” smiled Quinn.“We’ve both made National Honor Society and are top five percent in our class.”
Abe almost wanted to just let it all go.These were not kids who would steal from their parents credit cards.
“Is something wrong?” asked Cooper.
“Do you guys still play that game?Alien Warcraft?” asked Abe.
“Not as much anymore,” said Cooper.“We really don’t have the time.I think the last time we played was over Easter break and honestly, the graphics are pretty awful even for us..”
“Okay, good to know,” said Nate.“We both got credit cards statements this morning with thousands of dollars of charges on them.”
Both boys paled, literally reaching for their chairs to steady themselves.
“D-dad,” said Cooper.
