The kitchen area in the coach's cottage was just big enough for Caydance and Griff to work together -- for a tostada banquet, chopping ingredients on a cutting board that Griff had bought that morning in Rockridge, where he had also picked up silver earrings for Caydance, Mexican serving bowls, and a large container of Salsa. "I wasn't anxious to return to the campus and watch a game film where Larry's Wolves win again."

"Larry?"

"Larry. Long time Coach of the Diablo Mountain Wolves. " Griff smiled. "A man of many memories, steeped in Football lore. He knows who he is. He knows where his team stands. He lives to talk football and football coaching. I could meet Larry in Rockridge any day. A fine man to lose to." Griff was mashing avocados for guacamole. Caydance was grating Monterey Jack cheese. Pinto beans, which Griff had soaked during the day, were simmering on the stove. "Did you find out where Anne Merry lives?"

"No. I'm not sure what to do next."

"According to your Father, Pete Lafitte was once a hockey player from the Canadian Vermont border. It's a long shot, but my Mother..."

...lived with a Montreal Canadiens Coach after she left Griff's Father, Caydance recollected.

arrow Between Griff and Caydance was a pile of tortillas and a salad bowl filled with chopped tomatoes and chopped iceberg lettuce. In half an hour, a game fraught with expectation would begin. The Oakland A's vs The Texas Rangers 7:05 PM.

"Tomorrow, we will telephone my Mother."