I sit back in my chair and rub my eyes. I’m not sure if they burn from irritation or from staring at the computer all morning. Either way, they’re so dry that I think they might combust.

My gaze slips across Burt’s online statement. “Why do you do this?”

Sadly, I think I know the answer. I think he does it to see if he can get away with it. There’s a twisted part of the old man that I think gets off on costing me time and making me have to email him to explain the charges.

“Not today, buddy,” I say, scooting my chair up to the computer. “Today is the day I copy Kirk directly on the email.”

I should’ve done this before now. Instead of just handling it myself and clueing Kirk in later, I should’ve dragged Burt in front of our boss and let the truth be told. I yawn. I’m so done making do.

I’m about to open a new email and attach Burt’s statement when my cell phone buzzes on my desk. Jared’s name flashes on the screen.

My heart leaps in my chest, and I mentally calculate the time and Ethan’s location. It’s eleven in the morning. Ethan is at school.

“Hey, Kirk,” I call out. “Jared is calling. I’m going to take it outside, okay?”

“Go. I hope everything is okay.”

Me too.

“Hey, Jared,” I say, pushing the office door open. A blast of cool air smashes me in the face. “What’s happening?”

“Hi, Palm. What are you up to today?”

I roll my eyes. “I’m at work, like I am every other day of the week from six a.m. to five p.m.—except Saturdays.” But I often have to show up then too. “What are you doing? Why are you calling me?”

“Easy there, Palm. You’re awful testy today.”

His laugh fuels my irritation.

“I’ve dealt with idiots all day long. Please do not add to the tally.”

“Cool. I’ll make it quick then.” He takes a deep breath. “I’m getting evicted. Well, I got evicted. I just made it easier on them and went ahead and left.”

All the oxygen rushes out of my body as I stare at the bright-blue sky. You’ve got to be kidding me.

A hundred thoughts cross my mind, but I boil them down to one.

“Why?” I ask, even though it’s really none of my business why he got kicked out of his house. The only part that’s any of my business is how it will affect Ethan.