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That evening . . .

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Laurie knocked on the door to Alice and Heather's room. She heard "come in" before walking inside. That was unusual for her. Normally she didn't think twice about just walking in. She practically lived there.

"Hey," said Heather with a big smile. Laurie forced a smile herself and hoped it was convincing.

"Hey. Everyone packed and ready to go?" she said, dropping her suitcase off at the foot of Heather's bed.

"Yeah. And tomorrow, we pick up Liz. Jenny, Mike, Mary and . . . and whoever the hell it is she's bringing . . . they'll be meeting us at...