"Why didn't you come out for a word with your grandfather before he left, Melissa? I thought that you girls weren't home!"
Jacob did not answer Stefanie as he gazed at Melissa in question.
"If he sees me, he'll make me go home," Melissa said with a giggle. "I don't want to do that!"
Jacob shook his head helplessly. "Maybe you should."
"You haven't answered me, Jacob," Stefanie pressed on haughtily. "Where are you planning on going?"
"There is an auction for antiques in Hillsborough. Mr. Gunn has kindly extended an invitation to me."
"Sounds fun! We would like to come along," trilled Stefanie.
"We're coming along," affirmed Melissa. "I have friends in Hillsborough. We'll be treated well there."
Jacob gazed at them, the suspicion that they had planned to tag along the moment they heard the plan began to dawn on him.
