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life of luxury didn’t impress me. Dad’s dreams were just to take care of me. On the other hand, bringing my thoughts back to Aunt Doris, the only goals she had were the alcohol and where her next rich husband was coming from.
    “Have they caught the animal?” Her question sent my nerves into a wild frenzy. I settled down when Daniel’s warm hand touched my back. His body pressed closer while he inhaled a quick breath to speak.
    “Not yet. I understand the authorities are still looking for it.” His stern voice denoted a slight “ Drop it” . Aunt Doris, even in her intoxicated state noticed the tone. Quickly her eyes shifted to me again.
    “Dear, are you eating well? You are skinny as a rail,” she reached down and grabbed my hands. “Pale too. What no engagement or wedding ring? Nowadays, it is best to get married early; at least you have your pick of the good-looking ones. When you get my age, the only thing you have to look forward to is their bank accounts, retirement funds and death benefits.” Her cold hands patted mine while her eyes trailed to Daniel.
    The warm flush fell again over my cheeks. There was no word in the dictionary that my father could properly use to describe my aunt. There were however, several, which he had used, which were inappropriate. Always, this woman brought out the animal in my father. After being in her presence only a few moments, Dad would put a sailor to shame.
    I remembered clearly the language he would use was a series of grunts, huffs, and four, five and six letter words that made a complete sentence. This was the only time that I had ever seen my father upset and mad. I smiled to myself thinking of poor Uncle Dave. The short, balding and overweight man was so passive compared to his overly opinionated and controlling wife. He was a sweet, quiet man and I often wondered repeatedly how he ever married this obnoxious woman. Maybe it was love. I could only believe it was her love of money that drew them together. Knowing Aunt Doris, she probably told him they were going to get married and when. Whenever Dad would ask Uncle Dave how he put up with Aunt Doris, Dave’s response was always the same. “When it becomes too bad, I just take my hearing aid and teeth out. So when she yells at me I can’t hear it and I just smile at her.” I let out a laugh that surprised everyone standing around me.
    “How’re those batteries, Uncle Dave?” My lips twitched trying to hide my smile.
    His aging eyes twinkled as he looked at me. “Oh, they are holding in there.” His smile broadened as he winked at me. “Quite some gathering. Your father had a lot of friends.
    ”
    “Well, you know how his friends do things. When everyone gets together, it is the same type of function for a funeral or wedding. I think it is more social than mourning. … ”
    my voice trailed off when I noticed Aunt Doris looking curiously at Daniel. “I’m sorry,” I began, “Aunt Doris, Uncle Dave this is Daniel Maxwell.” I wanted to cringe in my seat at what I could only expect would come out of her mouth next. Her long fingers reached over to shake his hand.
    “Well, Julie.” My heart pounded loudly. If there was some way, I could distract her from the next few words.
    “It is nice to meet you, Daniel. Maxwell? As in Thomas J. Maxwell, attorney at law?” I looked up at Uncle Dave hearing his voice. The expression on my face was a pleading venue of thank you.
    “Yes. Thomas is my father.” Daniel’s smooth voice tingled in my ears.
    “Yes, I thought I could see the resemblance. Tell me, are you following in your father’s footsteps?” For some reason, I don’t know exactly why, Daniel’s body stiffened. His arm muscles tightened against my side. Nervously, he shifted his weight from one foot to the other.
    “No, sir. I am following a different route all together.” The sharp tone in his voice indicated tension at the mention of his father’s name. I knew he could tell that I noticed the