Brendan clenched his fists. He was strapped with choices. He nodded. “Fine. You have a deal. When is the excursion?”

Emily thought for a moment. “I’ll tell you some other time. My dad just left us, see. We’re all grieving, so there’s no way I’d be in the mood for sightseeing. Still, I’ll make it soon. You can hardly wait too, can you, Mr. Brighthall?”

“You’re right. Please tell me as soon as you’re free.”

He turned on his heels and left without a second thought. Emily looked at his hurriedly