I came pounding down the stairs when I heard voices in the kitchen, almost running right into Dad.

"Cupcake," he said. He looked distressed, like he had bad news or something. My heart constricted, but he simple stepped aside. "Please be careful."

Okay, not good at all. I ran into the kitchen with him following, Galleytrot panting beside me, to find Uncle Frank sitting with Mom at the table. He looked up as I entered, normally boyishly charming face grim.

"Hey ...