Novel-in-progress Taint is at 67,137 words.  I need to start wrapping it up, honing the story arc.

I've finally brought the protagonist's parents on stage.  Still getting a feel for them:

Mom plucked a couple of envelopes from the letter slot on the hallway wall.  Using the top of her big red suitcase as a table, she folded two of her precious lists into precise thirds and put each one in an envelope.  She tucked the flaps inside and handed one to me and one to Rich.  "Are you two sure you'll be okay on your own?"

Rich's face hardened.  "I was on my own in jail for three months."

Mom drew back a little, like he'd pushed her.  "Rich, darling, I --"

I gave him a play slap to the shoulder.  "Hey!  I came to see you!"

He sighed.  "Yeah, you did.  You and Tafari."

Dad grunted, a bitter, one-note laugh.  "You make your bed, you haffe lie in it.  Bring those things out to the car."  He turned and limped towards the door on his cane.

Mom said sadly, "I'll just put this list on the fridge door."  She was darting her eyes everywhere, except in our direction.  She bustled into the kitchen.  Rich and I followed Dad outside to the car.  Dad yanked on the lid of the trunk.  It was locked.  Mom had the key.  Dad kissed his teeth in frustration.  He used to like driving.  Now, his leg wouldn't let him.  He leaned against the car and closed his eyes.  He didn't say anything to us.