”“I guess so.”“Can you tell me how Kent came into the picture?”“My father met him I guess. I think he’s like his protégé. A complete c...mputer nerd. One day he shows up for dinner. All they talk about is computers. Then they’re down in the basement. Next thing I know, he’s staying with us. He’s with my sister.”“And your mother?”“Yeah.”“And you?”Linda blushed. “He’s ... too big for me.”“What did your father think?”“It’s kind of blurry.”“What is?”“Everything.”“What can you remember?”“I remember. "Do her parents know?" They don't expect her home. She was going to stay in school on her the vacation, but then her grades got better, and she decided to go home and surprise them, and I talked her into coming this far with me and staying overnight. Gee, what's the trouble, Sis? She can bunk with me. It won't be any trouble." The girl sounded surprised, and a little hurt, that her friend wasn't welcome. Julie looked at Max helplessly, and he nodded, coming to a quick decision."All right," she. The entire local club had signed up to help and they had brought along 57 more recruits. This gave Jim a total of 77 assault troops and helicopter crew, which meant he had to hire enough helicopters to transport 42 troops, 43 if he was forced to include Jane, and he didn't see how he could keep her away.Actually, Kingman was right to be paranoid; Jim could probably get several hundred troops if he was willing to advertise, but he was afraid of giving Kingman too many hints of what was coming.. You had bettertake a jeans and T short for tomorrow in case we don't come back here,your car's at the house, right?"I nodded and hastily put the stuff into a paper bag. I had some clothesin Mira's room but better be prepared. I gathered my credit cards,driving license and cash but nowhere to put them."Give them to me and we'll get a small purse at the mall. Or do you wantto use the one from last night?" Yes, that'll do," I said. "No need to waste money."We all left the apartment and both girls.