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CHAPTER THIRTY-SEVEN

It was raining in Fort Worth when they arrived.

Nelson drove straight to the downtown hotel, but because the trip from the hill country had taken longer than expected due to the inclement weather and frequent stops, Jack, Eddy, and Tate had already left for the political rally being held that evening.

The travel-weary group checked into their rooms as quickly as possible. Mandy was tired and cranky. She threw a temper tantrum and nothing pacified her-not even the room service meal that was promptly delivered.

"Mandy, eat your dinner," Zee said.

"No," she said petulantly, poking out her lower lip. "You said I could see Daddy. I want to see Daddy."

"He'll be here later," Avery explained for the umpteenth time.

"Come on now, this is your favorite," Zee said cajolingly.

"Pizza."

"I don't like it."

Nelson impatiently glanced at his military wristwatch.

"It's almost seven. We've got to leave now or get there late."

''I'll stay with her," Dorothy Rae volunteered, her expression hopeful.

"Big help you'd be," Fancy said scornfully. "I say let the little wretch starve."

"Fancy, please," Zee remonstrated. "One difficult child at a time is enough." She pleaded fatigue herself and offered to skip the rally and stay with Mandy.

"Thank you, Zee," Avery said. "That would be a help. I don't think she's fit to meet the public tonight. Nelson, you take Dorothy Rae and Fancy now. I'll come along later."

Nelson began to protest. "Dirk and Ralph said to—"

"I don't care what they said," Avery said, butting in. "Tate wouldn't  want me to leave Mandy with Zee while she's behaving this badly. Once she's in bed, I'll take a cab. Tell them I'll get there as soon as I can."

The three of them filed out of Mandy's bedroom, part of a three room suite assigned to Tate's family.

"Now, Mandy," Avery said reasonably, "eat your supper so I can brag to Daddy how good you've been."

"I want my surprise."

"Eat your dinner, dear," Zee pleaded.

"No!"

"Then would you like a nice, warm bath?"

"No! I want my surprise. Daddy said I'd get a surprise."

"Mandy, stop this," Avery said sternly, "and eat your dinner."

Mandy gave the room service tray a push. It went crashing to the floor. Avery shot to her feet. ''That settles it." She yanked Mandy out of her chair, spun her around and swatted her bottom hard several times. "I won't put up with that from you, young lady.''

At first Mandy was too stunned to react. She looked up at Avery with wide, round eyes. Then her lower lip began to quiver. Enormous tears rolled down her cheeks. She opened her mouth and let out a wail that would awake the dead.

Zee reached for her, but Avery edged her aside and gathered Mandy against her. The child's arms wrapped around her neck. She burrowed her wet face into Avery's shoulder.

Avery rubbed her back soothingly. "Aren't you ashamed of yourself for having to get a spanking? Daddy thinks you're a good girl."

"I am a good girl."

"Not tonight. You're being very naughty and you know it."

The crying jag lasted for several minutes. When it finally abated, Mandy raised her blotchy face. "Can I have my ice cream now?''