Rina wagged a finger. “Next time you make the chicken as well.”

“Deal!” She hugged Cindy. “You’re the best sister in the entire world!”

“Perhaps you’re right,” Cindy agreed.

Hannah now turned her attention to her brother-in-law. “Can you walk me over to a friend’s house?”

Decker said, “I told you I’d do it when I was done with the dishes.”

“I’m sure Koby won’t mind.”

“I’m sure he won’t, but that’s not the point.”

Hannah let go with a deep sigh. Her body was at the dinner table, but her mind was already with her school chums. Koby came to her rescue. “If it’s all right with you, Peter, I would not mind a little walk.” He regarded his father-in-law. “It’s up to you.”

Decker threw up his hands. “The girl is an expert manipulator.”

“I prefer to think of it as efficient. So it’s a go?”

“This time,” Decker said. “Thanks, Koby.”

“Yeah, thanks.” She bounced up from the table. “I’ll go pack.”

Rina caught her by the arm. “We didn’t bench.”

“Oh…” She sat back down. “Sorry.” She rushed through grace after meals, leaving before the rest of the table was done, flying out of her chair and into her room, slamming the door.

“She hates us,” Decker said when he was done with his prayers.

“She loves us,” Rina told him. “She just doesn’t want to be with us. We’re boring.”

“How would she even know?” Decker complained. “She never talks to us.”

Cindy patted her father’s arm. “It’ll change, Daddy. Look at me. I thought you and Mom were the lamest people on earth—”

“You did?” Decker said. “How was I lame?”

“Daddy, it wasn’t about what you were, it was about who you were. Parents are lame. And on top of that, you were this big, hulking cop. By extension everyone was afraid of me.”

“You had friends,” Decker protested. “You had boyfriends.”

“A testament to my charm and charisma.”

Koby cleared his throat and raised his eyes to the ceiling. Cindy hit his shoulder. They spoke about childhood for another thirty seconds until Hannah returned with her suitcase in hand. “Ready.”

“That was fast,” Koby told her.

“She prepacked days ago,” Decker told him. “She can’t wait to get out of here.”

Hannah put the suitcase down and threw her arms around her father’s neck. “Abba, you are the best! I love you very much and always will. But a girl’s gotta do what a girl’s gotta do.” She smiled at Koby. “I’m all set.”

“Be careful, Koby.” Cindy’s voice was uncertain. “Maybe you should take my gun.”

“That is not a smart idea,” Koby said. “If the neighbors see a black man with a weapon, I will create more harm than good for myself.”