Sanctuary. Faye Kellerman

thank you anyway.”

      Decker shuffled his feet. “How long has your mother been gone, kids?”

      Minda said, “About half an hour. Before Joker in the Deck … will you look at that! She won a whole living room full of furniture! I can’t believe it!”

      Decker smiled tightly. “Is anyone hungry?” He looked at the youngest. “Are you hungry, Pessy?”

      “He’ll wait,” Mendel said.

      “Don’t be such a meanie, Mendel,” Minda said. “Are you hungry, Pessy?”

      The little boy looked at his brother. His brother nodded. Pessy said, “I’m a little hungry.”

      “I can fix you a sandwich,” Decker said. “What would you like? Tuna? Egg salad? Peanut butter and jelly?”

      “Peanut butter and jelly,” Pessy said. “Please.”

      “Coming right up.” Decker stood. “How about you, Mendel? Anything?”

      Mendel blushed. “I’m okay.”

      “You’re sure?”

      Minda said, “Go ahead, Mendel. You already checked out the kitchen. It was fine.”

      Mendel glared at his sister. Decker said, “I’m glad you checked out the kitchen. I want you kids to feel comfortable here.”

      Minda said, “Thank you very much. And thank you for letting us stay here. I’ve never seen a game like this in my life. It’s fascinating!”

      “It’s beetul Torah,” Mendel said.

      “Mendel, relax, okay?” Minda said. “It’s vacation!”