"The prodigal son returns," Jack said, putting the lid down on the grill and brushing his hands against one other to clean them off. He looked at Tom and nodded, then said to Sadie, "Sweetheart, could you go get the steaks? I think your mother has them on the counter in the kitchen."

Sadie nodded and went inside, casting a look at Tom, then sticking her tongue out at Dev as she passed them.

"Good to see you, Dad," Dev said, his voice a little tense. "Um, this is Tom Ryan. Tom, this is my father, Jackson Quinn."

Jack finally moved toward them and extended his hand toward Tom. "Tom. Welcome to our home." He smiled, but his eyes were carefully scrutinizing the man his son had brought into his house, silently telling Tom that he wasn't sure what he was after, but he knew it had to be something.