It was a meager peace offering considering the harsh words it interrupted, but Nicky was desperate for any glimmer of hope. He nodded and tucked into his dinner. Silence reigned over the table for a while before Aaron finally broke it. He asked about people and places Neil didn't recognize, likely people he'd known when Tilda first moved him here eight years ago. It was a neutral topic that was easy for Luther and Maria to keep up with, and it bought Nicky time to calm down.

Andrew got up toward the end of dinner and went inside. Luther pushed back his chair and followed to speak with Andrew in private. Neil heard the hum of their voices through the screen door but couldn't make out their words. He strained his ears, listening for the sounds of violence. He thought he should go play referee, but his presence would kill their conversation. Luther had said he wanted to atone for the past. If he was apologizing, Andrew needed to hear it whether he wanted to or not.

Emphasis on the not, Neil decided, because Andrew's voice was getting louder. Neil caught snatches of words, but Maria started speaking loudly to cover up the racket. Neil almost shushed her before he realized she was talking to Nicky about the season. Neil wanted to hear what Andrew was saying, but more than that he wanted Nicky to make things right with his mother. He kept quiet and kept his eyes on the back door. If Luther screamed in pain they'd hear it no matter how loud Nicky and Maria were.

Luther came back alone, looking worn and defeated but otherwise unharmed. Andrew didn't follow him. Luther took his seat again and turned his attention on Aaron. Neil waited, counting seconds and then minutes for Andrew's return. Andrew's medicine would soon throttle his temper and reset his bad mood back to apathy. Neil would wait it out, then figure out what answers he needed to trade Andrew for insight into that kitchen conversation.

Maria went inside to check the pie. She came back looking pleased. "Five minutes, I think."

Andrew still wasn't back. Neil thought for a second Andrew took the car and left them, but Neil had never seen Andrew drive while drugged. He couldn't; his medicine made him too restless and hyperaware to focus on the road. Then Neil thought of his racquet in the kitchen and Luther's expensive car in the driveway.

Everyone looked at him when he stood, so Neil said, "I'll clear the table."

"Kevin and I will help," Aaron said with a significant look at Nicky. "That'll give you guys a few minutes to talk without us."