“Hello, darling. Kiss. Kiss.”

“Good gravy! What are you doing here?”

“Now is that any way to greet your mother?”

“I thought you were in Paris.”

“I was. Until your grandmother phoned.” 

“I can explain – “

“I’m sure you can.”

“It’s just – “

“Sit up straight, darling. Slouching is most unbecoming.”

“It’s not my fault.”

“I’m sure it isn’t.”

“But it seemed like a good idea at the time.”

“It always does.”

“But Roger messed things up.”

“Really? You’re going to blame your eleven-year-old brother?”

“I told him not to step on the brake and gas pedal at the same time.”

“Which begs the question, darling, why was Roger behind the wheel of a taxicab?”

“We needed a getaway car, obviously. And Roger volunteered to drive it.”

“But a taxicab is so…ordinary.”

“Exactly. Blends in with New York City traffic.”

“I see.” 

“We almost got away. If it weren’t for those damn cushions –”

“Language.” 

“If it weren’t for those darn cushions.” 

“That’s a good boy. Now, what about those cushions.”

“They were too slippery.”

“That’s quality silk, darling.”

“Roger slid right off. He couldn’t see over the steering wheel. And he messed up the pedals.”

“Shame.”

“So, really, it was an accident.”

“I’ll say.”

“I’ll pay for the damage. Including Roger’s therapy bill.”

“I’ve never known you for being one to save your allowance.”

“Who said anything about my measly allowance?”

“What’s in the bag, darling?”

“Let’s just say, it’s compliments of Granny Warbucks.”

“I never did like your grandmother.”