CHAPTER 37––––––––
The following evening, after locking up the shop, Mara walked over to the bakery to keep her appointment with Ping. She had agreed to go with him to the warehouse again, even though she was not clear on what they would be doing. She had no intention of activating the Chronicle and encountering Sam’s lizard-loving mother again. As she walked up to the front of the bakery, Ping stepped out and turned to lock the door.
“Where’s Sam?” Mara asked.
“I ran him home a little while ago. He’s got homework, and, to be honest with you, I think the incident yesterday took more out of him than he is willing to admit in front of you.”
“Why would I matter?”
“Just a boy not wanting to look weak in front of his older sis—” Ping stopped himself. “Sorry. You know what I mean.”
“I’m no
