Chapter 22 022

• When we got up to shower at 4:30, Mom and Dad were still in their bedroom, but it didn't seem they were having sex, just a low murmur of conversation I couldn't hear, but perhaps the wolves did. We dressed, then we three picked up because we were having company. Mom and Dad joining us at 5:30. Dawn and Gerhard arrived at ten minutes to six, carrying several bags of Chinese food. We brought them into the kitchen, but I held off on introductions until everyone was there. Gretchen arrived five minutes early, giving me a hot kiss when she did. It was about seven minutes after seven when Brenda arrived.
• She looked harried and frazzled. Her son was named Thomas, Jr, and he looked like he might have been on sugar all afternoon, going eight different directions at once.
• "Mom, Dad, Brenda, Gretchen, I'd like to introduce you to Gerhard and Dawn. Gerhard provided the Chinese food tonight, so thank him for feeding us. Dawn is like a family member. These are my friends, Conor and Brigitte. More than friends actually, they're also my lovers and bodyguard...