“Greyson is gone.” A high-pitched ringing started in my ears. “Dead?” I asked, not at all ashamed at the tiny bit of hope that leaked into my voice. “No. Escaped. He’ll be hunting you.” With that as the option, I liked dead better.”

“I cupped my hands over my ears. “No, no, no. Get out. Get dead.”

“What part of you is dead, my daughter?”I didn’t know—my sense of humor maybe?”

“Since I didn't have a spork handy, I leaned over the sink and scooped up a palmful of cold water and pressed it against my face. There had to be a better option than a violent sporking. There had to be a way to get rid of my dad.”

“Cody?” I said. “Why are you dead?” Tact. I got it.”

“You told Detective Stotts you think a wild storm is coming.” “I thought you were puking.” “Not with my ears,” he said.”

“If you need us, for anything, never forget we are here for you. All of us. You have done amazing things to make this world a better place.” That was really sweet. And sincere. And if I didn’t look away from his kind expression, I was just going to cry like a little girl. “Wait until you see my encore,” I said.”