although asking your father for a favor is only going to lead him back to his offer about the house . '' this was the nearest she 'd been to him-and the first time they 'd been alone-since ... since when ? i asked , wondering if they were in the compound . the vegetable counters were covered in blue dust . the gruff tone makes my skin pebble . more low tables were scattered throughout the room . every dog knows , deep in his heart , that he is a bad dog ... 