"Drunk, Mama", I asked, shocked by the brazenness. "A little embellishment at worst, Meg, and probably the truth. Who would say such things sober?"

"Any escaped mental patient", I said, "who given the chance ... would ... probably ..." I stopped.

"Misunderstandings about police reports that maybe somebody thinks are wrong are the least of our worries, aren't they?", Mom asked. "Maybe we made a mistake. So sue us, officer, we're human ..."

"Just silly girls", I said, wondering if I should start to smile.

"Almost silly enough to be men", she said, shaking her head. "No offense, Lev", she added, turning to Mr. Abrahmsen. "None taken", he said, "and no argument here", piling a few more pieces of furniture against the door.