Free P is for Peril by Sue Grafton

jacket, her top was a see-through confection of chiffon and lace, worn with a long, narrow wool skirt. At fourteen, she was still in that coltish stage of development: no bust to speak of, narrow hips, and long, bony legs. The length of her skirt couldn’t have been less flattering. She looked like the cardboard cylinder in a spent roll of paper towels. She’d also done something strange to her hair, which was cut short, dyed a white blond, sticking out in all directions. Some strands had been dreadlocked while the rest remained as wispy as cotton candy. She came to the open door and stood there staring at us.
    Crystal snorted. “What’s that getup supposed to be?”
    â€œIt’s not a ‘getup.’ What’s wrong with it?”
    â€œYou look ridiculous. That’s what.”
    â€œYou do, too. You look like a bag lady. That sweater’s down to your knees.”
    â€œFortunately, I’m not going out in public. Now please go upstairs and find something decent to wear.”
    â€œGod, you are always so worried what other people think.”
    â€œKnock it off. I’m really tired of fighting with you.”
    â€œThen why don’t you leave me alone? I can dress any way I want. It’s no reflection on you.”
    â€œLeila, you’re not leaving the house dressed like that.”
    â€œGreat. I won’t go then. Thanks a lot and fuck you.”
    â€œWhere’s your suitcase?” Crystal said patiently, declining Leila’s invitation to escalate.
    â€œI don’t have one. I told you I’m not going. I’d rather stay here.”
    â€œYou didn’t see him last time and I swore you’d be there.”
    â€œI don’t have to go if I don’t want to. It’s my decision.”
    â€œNo, it’s not, it’s mine, so quit arguing.”
    â€œWhy?”
    â€œLeila, I’m irritated at all the lip you’ve been giving me. What’s the matter with you?”
    â€œI just don’t want to go. It’s boring. All we do is sit around and watch videos.”
    â€œThat’s what you do here! ”
    â€œYou promised I could see Paulie.”
    â€œI never said any such thing. And don’t change the subject. Paulie’s got nothing to do with it. Lloyd’s your father.”
    â€œHe is not! We’re not even related. He’s one of your stupid old ex-husbands.”
    â€œOne ex-husband. I’ve only been married once before,” she said. “Why are you being so hostile and obnoxious? Lloyd adores you.”
    â€œSo what?”
    â€œLeila, I’m warning you.”
    â€œIf he’s so full of adoration why does he force me to spend time with him against my will?”
    â€œHe’s not forcing you. I am and that’s final. Now get.”
    â€œI will if I can see Paulie.”
    â€œAbsolutely not.”
    â€œGod, you’re so mean. You don’t give a shit about me.”
    â€œThat’s right. I’m just here to abuse and mistreat you. Call Children’s Protective Services.”
    â€œYou think Lloyd’s so great, why don’t you go see him yourself?”
    Crystal closed her eyes, trying to control her temper. “We’re not going to do this in front of company. He’s got joint custody, okay? He’s picking you up at seven, which means he’s already on his way over. I’ll come get you Sunday morning at ten. Now go back up and change. And you better pack a bag or I’ll do it myself and you’ll hate what I choose.”
    Leila’s face shut down and I could see a patch of red form around her nose and mouth where she held back tears. “You are so unfair,” she said, and clomped back up the stairs again. She slammed the door behind her after entering her room, then screamed the word “bitch” again from the far side of the door.
    Crystal returned to our conversation, making no reference to Leila beyond a shake