"I was so worried," said Mr Tangen, rubbing the palms of his massive, red hands on his thighs. "What took so long? Why didn't you answer me when I called you? Have you been crying?"
"No," I said, answering only Mr Tangen's last question. I looked up into Mr Tangen's disbelieving, bearded face. "Well, yes. I fell down. But I wasn't hurt, just surprised. I'm OK now."
"I don't know what I would have said to your Mother or Aunt if something happened to you on Blakes Road. What was I thinking?"
"I thought you said it was safe?" I said. Mr Tangen looked devastated.
"Was it that Seth?
I shook my head and took a swig of hot chocolate. "No. Nothing like that," I said. "He was perfectly normal."
"Really?" said Mr Tangen. He'd obviously met Mr Seth.
"Well, not normal," I conceded. "Kind of grumpy."
"Yes?"
"And direct."
Mr Tangen blanched, and he seized my arm causing me to slop chocolate milk. "You didn't go into his house, did you?"
"I'm not stupid. Mum would kill me if I set foot in a stranger's house."
"She wouldn't need to. I'd do it first." I didn't doubt the big man.
I skulled what was left of my chocolate and held Mr Tangen's unconvinced gaze.
“It's just, well; I didn't know what to think," said Mr Tangen. “Well, thank the North Star you're OK. Now: on your way. Band and basketball practice ended half an hour ago." He opened the clasp on the leather money pouch attached to his belt and pulled out 11 crumpled one dollar notes: what I was owed, plus a bonus dollar. "On your bike, Paddy," he said dismissing me. "Would be a shame to be caught out when you're so close to your target. See you Thursday. On time, if you please!"