Zelda hurried to exin to Ss, her words tumbling out. "When we took that family photo, Callie wasn''t there. She was runningte. It''s totally her own fault, not that we tried to exclude her or anything."


    "Oh, is that so? So... what, you just never take family pictures anymore?"


    Ss fixed her with a stare so intense Zelda felt her palms get sweaty.


    Zelda froze. She''d never felt this kind of pressure before. She could handle Calliope. Honestly, she didn''t think much of her and didn''t bother hiding it.


    But Ss? Even though he was her son-inw, she couldn''t help but feel a little intimidated. The man had the kind of presence that could silence a room. She might not know everything about him, but she definitely knew that much.


    "N-no, it''s not like that!" Zelda stammered. "We just... haven''t found the right time, but we finally did! Actually, I think the framed photo''s getting delivered this week."


    "Now you take one? And I''m not even in it," Ss said, giving her a look that made it clear he wasn''t thrilled.


    "Well, it''s already done..." Zelda''s voice trembled. "But, um, maybe we can... you know, find another time and do one with everyone together. If you want."


    She was about ready to lose it. Ss''s energy was overwhelming, and she didn''t dare push back. She nced at him nervously, wishing someone would walk in and save her.


    Where was everyone? Why was she stuck here alone?


    Right on cue, Calliope burst through the door, her face lighting up when she spotted Ss.


    "Oh my gosh, it really is you!" she squealed, her voice bubbling with pure joy.


    "Who else would it be?" Ss grinned, beckoning her over. As soon as she reached him, he pulled her onto hisp, tapping her nose affectionately, his eyes soft with adoration.


    "My wife doesn''te home, so I have toe find her myself," he teased.


    "I told you, I''d be back in a couple of days," Calliope replied,ughing.


    "I missed you," he said, his tone suddenly gentle, almost vulnerable. "I can''t wait a


    few days. Wherever you are, that''s where I want to be."


    Then, just as quickly, his gaze turned sharp again. He looked around at Zelda, and at Horatio, who''d juste in. "What, am I not wee here?"


    "Of course you are!" Zelda blurted, forcing a smile. She knew Ss was doing this on purpose. He knew how much everyone tiptoed around him, and he seemed to enjoy it.


    Ss didn''t bother with Zelda anymore. He turned to Monty.


    Monty was quick to jump in. "Mr. Myers, it''s an honor having you here! We''re absolutely delighted that you and Callie are staying with us. Really, it''s a privilege."


    "Is that so?" Ss nodded slowly. "Well then, I''ll be staying here as long as Callie does. We''ll both be here. Is that a problem for anyone?"


    "Not at all!" Monty said, almost too quickly.


    Zelda shot him a look that could kill. She was anything but thrilled. Ss''s presence made her skin crawl, but she knew better than to say anything. His reputation preceded him, nobody wanted to get on his bad side.


    "Mr. Myers, it''s not that you''re unwee, Zelda said, forcing her most polite tone. "It''s just, well, our house isn''t exactly a five-star hotel. I wouldn''t want you to be


    aver


    ufortable or anything. Of course you''re always wee to visit, but living here might not be... convenient."


    "So, what you''re saying is, you''d rather I didn''t stay?" Ss replied, his eyebrow raised.