it's on and poppin'

Avella's swift admonishment caused Clouse to shrink with shame. His tail tucked and his lips pulled back in a grimace, he avoided both their gazes as she reminded him of the reason she had wanted to bring him with them. It was a good point, and he regretted his selfish thoughts back at the lake. Even if he hadn't stumbled upon his dad, the boy would have been right here, late without any kind of valid excuse.

Then Scully spoke. Clouse's ears picked up and confusion briefly crossed over his face before he remembered to mask up. Why would Scully running into Ellery be bad? Why would they have to run from her? It didn't match with what his father had just told him.

"What did she say?" Clouse asked without moving.