Fallout (Crank 3)

so special—practically

custom-made for Mom.

(Not to mention free!)

I punch the speed dial

on my phone, wait for

Mom to pick up at home.

Ring. Ring. Ring. Ring.

No one’s here to take

your call right now …

Hmmm. Mom said they

were staying home this

weekend. I try her cell.

No answer. Dad’s cell?

All he has to do is say

Hello for me to know …

SOMETHING’S WRONG

“Hey, Dad. Where are you

guys?” Something nasty

seethes in my gut, acid.

I just dropped your mom

off at the airport. His voice

trembles. Anger? Worry?

Kristina is in the hospital.

That bastard beat her up.

Like what else is new, huh?

“Who beat her up? Ron?”

An ex-boyfriend, in and out

of her life because he is (or

believes he is) the father

of her two youngest kids.