Read Induction Day: Book Two in the Butterman Travel Series for Free Online

for Tristan’s.
    “It’s every bit as bad as it seems,” Dad corrects her, a fierce light behind his green eyes. “Don’t try to downplay it, Gwen.”
    Mom ignores him, smiling at Tristan. “How are you, dear?”
    “Fine, Mrs. Butterman,” he says, his chin dimpling with his weak smile. “I … wanna apologize for all this.”
    “Not your fault,” Mom says.
    She’s working her gentle empathy angle. I’ll forever be baffled by her innate inability to place blame.
    Dad, on the other hand, is pursing his lips like he’s sucking on a sour ball. It riddles me with guilt down to my toenails. The very reason we operate way up here in the middle of frigid nowhere is to get away from mainstream society. Now mainstream society is here, watching our every move.
    “I gotta tell you, I don’t like this,” Dad says to Tristan, his gaze wildly unsympathetic. “Not one bit.”
    “Gavin, honey, don’t scare them any more than they already are.” Mom pats his arm. “We’ve discussed this already.”
    “You said you spoke with my agent?” Tristan asks.
    I search Mom’s and Dad’s faces, eager to know exactly what Val said, since they disclosed nothing to us over the phone.
    “We did,” Mom says. “She’s been a great help, advised us on many possible scenarios.”
    I watch as Dad stiffens, his ears going beet-red.
    “Bee,” he says, meeting my eyes now, “she doesn’t think it’s wise for you to participate. She says your mom and I should clear the air on our own, on behalf of Butterman Travel, and leave it at that.”
    My mouth falls open. “Don’t I get a chance to defend myself?”
    “She makes a good case for it,” Mom says. “Seems it’s wiser if you stay quiet til some of this blows over. She’s seen this type of thing before and assures us silence is confidence in these types of situations.”
    “Well, I don’t agree.” I look to Tristan for aid but he shifts his gaze around the room, avoiding mine. “Don’t I get a say in it?”
    “Val says it’s too risky—that they’ll put you on the spot and try to trip you up, mix up your words.” Mom moves in and brushes back my hair. “There’s no reason to rush in with a defense if you’re innocent of the allegations, right? Tristan cleared your name yesterday morning. Let Dad and I do the same tomorrow.”
    I’m about to object when Dad speaks up. “Bee, I’d prefer it if you stay out of the public’s eye as long as possible.” He steps in to touch my shoulder and lower his voice to a vehement whisper. “You’re in a vulnerable place. Let us protect you.”
    My head quakes slightly. I don’t have the energy to argue with him right now. Maybe they’re right, even though it feels wrong. I can see I won’t get through to them right now. Maybe tomorrow.
    “Okay, Dad. I’ll think about it.”
    “Spoken like a level-headed Butterman.” He nods, stepping back to turn his gaze on Tristan. “How long are you planning to be here?”
    “Um, about that, Dad …” I begin, unsure if this is the best time, but holy hell I don’t know if the time will ever be right. I certainly can’t tell my parents I want him here to keep him clean. “Tristan wants to book another time trip, you know, whenever it’s convenient. And he can work on his music while he waits.” I flash Tristan a hopeful smile. “Not much else to do up here in winter but create, right?”
    “Another time trip?” Dad asks. “As in, soon?”
    “That’d be ideal,” Tristan answers. “I’ve got a deadline. I’ll pay for the service, Mr. Butterman.”
    Dad stares blankly at him as if to say no shit, you will.
    “Um, well … it’s not the most appropriate time,” Mom says, fidgeting with her wedding ring like she always does when at a loss for words.
    “He doesn’t wanna go today ,” I say. “I … was hoping I could have my Induction Day first.”
    Dad finds his voice. “Honey, about that …”
    My heart sinks. What now ?
    “Your mom and I talked it