Charlie gazed Shirley's brows knit in wonder.
"Look, we're about to have breakfast, but I'll come down and enable you deduce what to accomplish in a few minutes."
"Okay, but don't be lengthy. I'm scared the pipes might frost and burst."
"What's wrong?" Shirley inquired.
"Seemingly Aunt Dotty's missing and the rear door was left open last night. Uncle Steve's afraid the tubes might freeze since there's been no heat in the building."
"Crap. Now I feel guilty for dozing in guise of your nice warm fireplace."
"Don't. Just recall all the extras you'll earn from settling with me. Winters in Florida, a temperature regulated penthouse… You'll never have to suffer." He blinked.
A peek of eagerness hardened her spine.
"Let's move downstairs and check on everyone. We can reheat breakfast later."
Charlie sough. "Uncle Steve? Are you still there?"
"Yeah."
"We'll be right there. See you in a minute."
***
