"Thanks for not running away," Tara replied, with only a touch of wryness.

Kate straightened up and took a breath. "Okay, so we're good to go," she said. "But, before we do... Mom, uh, did you tell Dad about Bryce?"

Tara shook her head, just a little, idly picking up her cup of tea again. "No."

"What?" Kate asked, frowning. "You didn't tell him?"

Her mother gave her a look like the whole question was ridiculous. "And ruin his big trip? No, ma'am."

Even Charmaine had to say something to that. "Tara, you have a homicidal alter..."

"Who tried to seafood your professor," Kate concluded. "I mean, I didn't imagine that did I?"