’m building a career. I need to be seen. When the state senator comes to visit, he needs to see a certain level, not your little vegetable garden!”

“My little vegetable garden at least feeds us,” I snapped back. It was the wrong thing to say.

Marcus jumped up, his face twisted with rage. “I am sick of your complaining! Sick of your pettiness! You’re dragging me down! I’ll handle this myself. Get dressed. We’re leaving.”

“Leaving? Where?” I asked, bewildered.