Then I added, very evenly, “If any person I did not invite crosses this threshold, I will call the police and tell them a group of adults is attempting to force a confrontation inside my home. Decide accordingly.”
That did it.
Marissa knew a public scene could cut both ways.
She turned to the others with a smile so brittle it nearly rang.
“We’ll keep this private,” she said. “Why don’t y’all take a short walk and we’ll update you after?”
Her father gave a stiff nod. The rest dispersed in that embarrassed, overcareful way people do when they realize they have agreed to attend something indecent.
I stepped aside only when they were all moving away from the porch.
Inside, I led the four of them into the living room.
Rebecca stayed near the bookshelf. Toby took the armchair by the window. Garrett sat on the couch like a man at the dentist. Marissa remained standing, which told me she meant to control the room.
“Go ahead,” I said. “Explain.”
She folded her hands.