Chapter 15. The Ring (1)

Melvin shut the door behind him and walked toward the oval living room. His family usually resided there after dinner.

“Melvin.” He felt Andrew’s hand on his back.

He stopped and turned to him.

“Why did you bring her here?”

“Am I not to have guests in my own home?” Melvin stared hard at his brother’s face.

Andrew shook his head. “That’s not it. I don’t trust Elaine.”

Melvin turned away. “That’s your problem.”

“She could be using you. She probably wants to suck out as much money as she can from us,” Andrew said.

Melvin couldn’t hold back his laughter. Money? If anyone was using anyone for money, he was using Elaine. So far, the reception from his family had been good. Sort of. His grandfather hadn’t said much but that was expected. He’d caught the man watching Elaine several times and his grandmother too, had been unusually silent. But his mom and dad seemed to be taken by her. That was a good thing right. Two out of four people liked E