Chapter 99 Ninety-nine

• Evans
• For the rest of the ride home, Brandon is silent. When we arrive and walk back into the house, he's more subdued, the bounce gone from his step and his eyes downcast. He plays with his toys for a while without much enthusiasm, picks at his dinner, and doesn't argue when I tell him it's time for bed.
• Once the lights are out in Brandon's room and his eyes are closed—I'm not sure if he's really asleep, or just pretending—I head downstairs and pour myself a drink. I haven't had a drink all week, and after that conversation, I need it.