Chapter 17

When Lance was done working, he quickly swallowed supper while the just-returned Anna was bathing. By the time she was done and was coming down to join them, he was already on his way out to attend an all-night party that could not be missed for anything in the world. Even the thought of missing it was a sin! That was what he told his mother and she had no reason not to believe him. 

He jumped into his car and began the journey to his friend's house, just as the darkness began to intensify. It would be a long evening and he had no plan to rush.

***

When Lance arrived at Rex's, he pressed the bell with sufficient civility since he was not so sure of the current status quo, but it didn't take a minute before Rex threw open the door. Lance immediately launched a direct punch aimed at his head, but his friend ducked just in time and managed to push him into the house at the same time.

"That was for the money returned, you bastard," Lance blurted as he regain