Soft Target

Perfect. I needed to pick his brain about investments anyway. [Sure.]

His reply was a cheerful emoji.

The gate's charging station was barely warm when my mother-in-law's caller ID flashed. Hazel's petulant voice came through: "Mom, when are you coming home? I told Dad to tell you to buy me a present. Are you gonna get me one?"

"No." Flat. Final.

"Don't you love me anymore?" Her voice sharpened. "D