First Family (Sean King & Michelle Maxwell 4)

“You know what a coma is?”

“Yes.”

“Well, that’s what she’s in. Has been for over thirteen years. Longer than you’ve been alive.”

“I’m sorry.”

“I’m sorry too.”

“What happened to her?”

“Somebody hurt her.”

“Why would they do that?”

“Good question. Turns out some people don’t care who they hurt.”

“Did they ever catch the person?”

“No.”

“What’s your daughter’s name?”

“Tippi.”

“Can you tell me your name?”

“Sam.”

“I know you can’t tell me your last name, Sam.”

“It’s Quarry. Sam Quarry.”

Willa looked stricken.

“What’s the matter?” he asked.

“You just told me your whole name,” she said shakily.

“So? You asked.”

“But if you told me your whole name, I could tell the police, but only if you plan on letting us go. So that means you’re not going to let us go.” She said this last part in a hushed voice.

“Why don’t you think about that again? There’s another answer. You’re smart, go for it.”

Willa stared up at him with a strange look on her face. Finally she said, “I guess it could be that you don’t care if I tell the police your name.”

“Hell, I expect lots of folks will know my name soon enough.”

“Why’s that?”

“Just will. You know, speaking of names, there’s a little black boy that lives with me called Gabriel. Almost as old as you. And he’s about as smart as you too. He’s a real good boy. Nice as they come.”

“Can I meet him?” she said quickly.

“Not right now, no. See, he doesn’t know anything about this and I intend to keep it that way. But what I want you to do is make sure that folks know him and his ma, Ruth Ann, didn’t know nothing about this. Not a thing. Will you do that for me, Willa?”

“Okay, sure.”