章 79: Chapter 79

Jack put a hand on his arm. “Easy, buddy. The boss wouldn’t like it if we brought attention to us being here.”

“We…certainly didn’t expect…” Red-faced, obviously disconcerted at being caught being less than cordial to her son, Mrs. Dalton decided not to share whatever it was they expected. “Thank you so much for coming.”

“We wouldn’ta missed it,” Thaddeus said. He had insisted they watch a gangster movie marathon—James Cagney, Humphrey Bogart, and Edward G. Robinson, as well as The Godfathertrilogy and Goodfellas—and was giving his impersonation of a hood.

In any other situation, Tom would have made no effort to hide his smile, but this wasn’t any other situation, and he wasn’t amused. Perhaps that came across in his expression.

“Yes, well,” the senior Dr. Dalton’s lips were set in a thin, tight line, and there was wariness in his eyes. “We hope you enjoy yourselves.”

Tom gave a brief nod.

“I’m so sorry, JT,” Rush whispered as they moved down the receiving line.