The Secret Client Learn English through story level 3
[Music]
chapter one
a terrible secret
school was finished
and mark had four cigarettes in his
other boys drank beer
and some tried drugs
but mark just liked cigarettes
now his little brother ricky wanted his
first smoke
and mark felt terrible
the boys walked down a narrow path into
the trees behind their home
home
was a trailer in a trailer park in
memphis tennessee
mom wasn’t back from work yet
dad wasn’t there either
mom left him five years ago because he
was always drunk and often violent
now mark seemed like ricky’s father
an 11 year old father
he taught ricky to play football to ride
a bike
and everything he knew about sex
but he didn’t want to teach him to smoke
sit there
said mark when they reached his secret
hiding place
and let’s hear the rules again
ricky knew them both
if i tell anyone
you’ll hit me
that’s right
and i can smoke only one a day
that’s right
if i catch you smoking more
or if you start drinking beer
you’ll hit me harder
right said mark
now watch me
it’s really easy
ricky was soon busy blowing smoke like a
man
mark sat next to him and lit another
cigarette
i was nine when i started he said
you’re only eight
you’re too young
ricky didn’t answer
he was listening to something
then mark heard it too
and they stopped smoking
just sit still
mark said softly
through the trees they could see an old
road which nobody used anymore
a long black car appeared on the road
and came slowly across the rough ground
it made a circle then stopped
soon the engine stopped too
hidden in the long grass behind the car
the boys watched the car
after a few minutes a fat man got out
what’s he doing
ricky whispered
the man had a rubber tube
he put one end into the tailpipe of the
car
and the other end through a window
he got into the car
closed the window as tight as he could
and started the engine again
he’s trying to kill himself
said mark
i saw a man do it like this in a film
once
how long does it take
not very long said mark
but i’m going to stop him
mark crawled to the car
pulled away the tube and crawled back
quick
let’s get out of here said ricky
suddenly the man got out of the car
again
he had a bottle of whiskey
and a gun
and he was crying
let’s get out of here
said ricky again urgently
mark watched quietly
the man looked at the tube
he looked around
then he put the tube back into the
tailpipe
he got back into the car with his
whiskey
mark please
let’s go
said ricky and began to cry
i’ll try one more time said mark
ricky watched his brother crawl forward
again
and then the man saw mark
he fell out of the car and grabbed him
you little
he shouted as he hit mark
get into the
car ricky in shock and fear
wet himself
the man pushed mark into the car and hit
him again
then he laughed
my name’s
jerome clifford
romy to my friends
what’s yours
mark
said mark
romy laughed
here
he said take the whiskey son
let’s die together
mark took the bottle and pretended to
drink
he smelled gas
he looked at the gun on the seat
we’ll be dead in five minutes
said the man
mark looked in the mirror and saw ricky
crawling towards the back of the car
why are you doing this he asked
give me the whiskey
said the man
mark looked at the man
if he gets drunk he might go to sleep he
thought
he passed the whiskey
it’s
because of the body
said the man
it’s at my house
i’m a lawyer
my client killed a senator
the fbi is looking everywhere for his
body
and my client hid it in my garage
can you believe it
right there
under my boat
mark smelled the air again
no gas now thanks to ricky
who’s your client romy
he asked
bury the blade
said romy
he’s a member of the mafia in new
orleans
now he wants to kill me
because i know about the body
but he can’t
because the gas will kill us first
he laughed and drank more whiskey
soon he was drunk
and asleep
mark gently opened the car door
and ran to where ricky was
hiding i pulled the tube out said ricky
in a high voice
mark lit a cigarette and watched the car
suddenly the door fell open
and the lawyer came out with the gun in
his hand he saw the tube and started
screaming
his wild red eyes looked round for mark
but mark was well hidden in the long
grass
then
he stood still
put the gun in his mouth
closed his eyes
and fired
ricky made a low noise
like an animal in pain
and ran
mark looked at the dead man and thought
here’s trouble
he followed ricky home
when he got there he called
911 knew that every 9-1-1 call was
recorded
there’s a body on the old road behind
tucker trailer park on highway 17
he said
we need your name son
mark said nothing
and put the phone down
chapter 2
in trouble with the cops
ricky was sick
he seemed to be crying but there were no
tears
his skin was cold and wet
his thumb was in his mouth
his eyes were open and his body was
shaking
mark was worried
he remembered a television program about
some kids who saw a horrible accident
after that
their thumbs were in their mouths like
babies for a year
mark
said his mother
how did you cut your face
mark didn’t want to lie to his mother
but he didn’t want to tell her about the
man with the gun either
it’s a long story mom
he said
diane’s side and bitter nails
they were sitting in a small room in
saint peter’s hospital
she lit a cigarette and watched her
younger son
when she got home from work and saw
ricky she had called the family doctor
he had called an ambulance immediately
now they were waiting for a hospital
doctor to look at ricky
it was past supper time and mark was
restless
he opened the door
i’ll go and get us a hamburger mom
he said
mark stepped outside the room
and a hand grabbed him
he looked up into the face of a cop
mark sway asked the cop
mark nodded
we found the body
said the cop
what body said mark
come on mark
we know you live in tucker trailer park
you made the call didn’t you
mark wanted to lie but he said
yes sir
well mark
let’s go and get those hamburgers said
the cop and he took mark down to the
hospital cafe
how did you find the body mark
my
brother and i were playing in the trees
did you take any drugs
no sir
but you were smoking said the cop
we found your dead cigarettes
stay away from drugs son
yes sir
did you see the man before he shot
himself
no sir
so you just found him dead
have you ever seen a dead body before
only on tv
the cops smiled
kids saw everything on television these
days
what happened to your face he asked
i got in a fight at school
the other kid started it
the other kid always does
what’s his name
you don’t know him said mark
well i might want to talk to him
said the cop
now tell me
why didn’t you give your name to 9-1-1
i don’t know
come on mark
you must know why
i don’t know
afraid i guess
mark tried to look very young and
innocent
do you think i’m lying
i don’t know kid
your story is full of holes
said the cop
i think you were there smoking in the
trees
and i think you saw the whole thing
that’s why your brother’s in shock isn’t
it
that’s why you’re afraid
mark’s heart stopped
and his blood ran cold
he tried to seem calm
his hands were shaking so he sat on them
things were happening too fast
could he go to prison
could ricky go mad
he needed time to think
ate your food now said the cop
we’d better get back to your mom
you can bring your coke with you
chapter 3
evidence
news of jerome clifford’s death traveled
fast to the mafia in new orleans
his client barry moldano was not sorry
but he was worried
bury the blade or simply the blade as he
liked to be called
wore shiny suits and a lot of gold
barry enjoyed a fast life
and liked people to be afraid of him
his lawyer certainly was and that’s why
he killed himself
barry liked to spend hours on his long
black hair
his face was often in the newspapers
these days because of the trial
he had killed a senator
and his trial for murder was to take
place in four weeks
barry was not worried about the trial
because nobody could find the senator’s
body
without the body
who could prove a murder
jerome clifford was a good mafia lawyer
but barry had frightened him
he told romy where the body was hidden
he told him the body was under romy’s
own boat in his own garage
what a joke
but then romy had disappeared
and now he was dead
barry needed a new lawyer quickly
roy foltrick also knew about the death
and was already on his way to memphis to
find out more
he hated flying
so his car was fitted with phones and
television
and even a fax machine
he had a driver too
so that he could work as he traveled
he hoped to arrive in memphis by
midnight
fultrig was a u s government lawyer
his job was to prove that barry moldano
killed the senator
but where was the body
maybe there would be some evidence in
memphis
maybe clifford had known
something said something
another man wanted to know more about
jerome clifford’s death too
he was a crime reporter who worked on
the memphis press
he wanted a story for the morning
newspaper
and he didn’t care how he got it
slick moeller’s real name was alfred
but nobody knew it
everyone called him slick crime was his
life
he knew everyone
talked to everyone
and never named anyone who trusted him
with secrets
he often knew about a crime before the
cops
he knew them all and drank coffee with
them in all night coffee bars
he had spent the morning at their head
office
and now he was in saint peter’s hospital
slick knew there was something
interesting about this death
he knew clifford was barry muldano’s
lawyer
he knew roy fultrigg was coming to town
he knew about the two boys
and that one of them was in shock
and he knew some things that mark didn’t
know
jerome clifford had left a note
which nobody could read
and there were strange fingerprints on
his whiskey bottle
the fbi now controlled the case
two fbi detectives waited for roy
fultrig
one was jason mcthune
fbi memphis
and the other was larry truman fbi new
orleans
they had the dead man’s car
and all the other evidence
they knew someone had been in the car
with jerome clifford because there were
fingerprints on the whiskey bottle
whose are they
said truman
maybe the kids
said mcthun
how can we check
i’ll get you his coke bottle said one of
the cops
you can check that
chapter four
lawyers and fbi men
mark was a thinker
and a warrior
when he couldn’t sleep he went for long
secret walks
it started when his mother and father
were fighting
he wore dark clothes and left the
trailer to move like a thief through the
night
he saw lovers
and he saw crime
he learned much but he never told
he loved to sit on the hill above the
trailer park and enjoy a quiet smoke
he was glad to find peace when he got
home
now his mother and his brother were
asleep in the hospital room
but mark was still awake
he watched them sleep for 20 minutes
and then got bored
he was not afraid of strange places
he quietly covered his mother with a
blanket and left the room
the hall was quiet and empty
he took the lift down to the cafe
there were two people at one of the
tables
one was in a wheelchair
the other
was offering him a white card
my name’s gil teal
he said with a big smile
did you have an accident
maybe i can help you
the other man didn’t smile
road accident he said
two broken legs
mark could see he was in pain
well
said gil teal
i’m a lawyer
and maybe you have a case
who hit you
the other man looked at the lawyer
carefully
it was an exxon lori
he said
he didn’t stop at a red light
great said gill teal
i’ve got money from exxon before
what have you got two broken legs
i can get you six hundred thousand
dollars for that
i talked to another lawyer today he said
he could get me a million
he’s lying
said guiltille
trust me
but maybe we can get more
are you married have you got kids
three kids
said the man
he looked tired
great said gil teal
for a family we can get more
500 a month until you get back to work
look choose me and you’ll get the best i
promise
i’ll think about it
said the man
can i call you tomorrow
said the lawyer
no
said the man i said i’d think about it
guiltil got up
okay he said
you think about it you’ve got my card
he shook hands and left
the man in the wheelchair pushed himself
away
leaving the card on the table
when he had gone
mark took the card
he looked at the name and the address he
put the card in his pocket
and sat back to watch the television
roy fultright liked to be on television
he really enjoyed those moments when the
cameras were waiting for him
just at the right moment he would arrive
walking quickly
holding his hand up like a very
important man who would love to answer
questions but just didn’t have the time
he spent many pleasant moments watching
videos of himself arriving at important
places
tonight however
there were no cameras
and no reporters when he arrived at the
fbi offices in memphis
it was after midnight
jason mcthune and larry truman
introduced themselves
there was only one chair
and fulltrig took it
mcthun explained the facts quickly
he told fulltrig about finding the car
what was in it
the gun
the time of death
and about mark’s sway
mark and his younger brother found the
body and told the police
they live about half a mile away in a
trailer park
the younger kid is in hospital now he’s
in shock
his mother diane is with him
and mark is there too
he’s lying
what’s he lying about
asked
fultrig he says he arrived after
clifford shot himself
but we don’t believe him said mcthun
first
his fingerprints are all over the car
inside and out they’re on jerome’s
whiskey bottle
and they’re on the tailpipe too
how did you check his prince
asked fultrig
off a bottle of coke he drank tonight
said mcthun
next we found three cigarettes near the
car
we think the boys were having a quiet
smoke when clifford arrived
they hid and watched him maybe they
pulled his tube from the tailpipe we’re
not sure
and the kids aren’t telling
the little boy can’t talk just now
but we’re sure mark is
lying about clifford
asked fultrig
we checked his blood
continued mcthun
he was drunk
and full of drugs too
we can’t know what he was thinking
we know he left new orleans in the
morning
and we think he bought the gun here in
memphis
why memphis
he was born here
said mcthun
maybe he wanted to die where he was born
he left a note
he added picking up a piece of paper
it tells his secretary what to do after
his death
we couldn’t find the pen that wrote it
fultrig took it from him and read it
what’s this at the bottom he asked
the ink is different
it says
mark
mark where are
[Music]
but i can’t read the rest
right
said mcthun
we can’t read that bit either
we found the second pen in the car
so maybe clifford used it there
but he was too drunk to write clearly
fultrick listened with his mouth open
so what does it mean
he asked
there’s no mark in clifford’s family
said mcsoon
we checked
so we think the note is for mark’s way
but how did he know mark’s name
unless he talked to him
why would the kid lie
because he’s afraid said mcthun
we think he was in the car
we think he and clifford talked about
something
at some point the kid left the car
clifford tried to add something to the
note and then shot himself
ultrix mouth was open again
maybe the kid’s afraid because clifford
told him something he doesn’t need to
know
finished mcthun
fultrig shut his mouth
put the note on the desk
and cleared his throat
have you talked to the kid
he asked
not yet said mcthun
we’ll do that first thing in the morning
we’d like to talk to his little brother
too
but we’ll have to ask his doctor
i’d like to be there said voltrick
thinking about the body
we must know everything mark sway knows
chapter five
in the hospital
mark was asleep in front of the
television when a nurse found him next
morning
she gave him some orange juice and took
him to ricky’s room
dr greenway is here
she said
and he wants to see you
diane looked tired
she stood at the foot of ricky’s bed and
her hands were shaking
mark stood next to her and she put her
arm on his shoulder
they watched as the doctor touched
ricky’s head and spoke to him
ricky’s eyes were closed
he doesn’t hear you doctor
diane said finally
she didn’t like the way greenway was
using baby talk
greenway continued touching and talking
diane had tears in her eyes
mark smelled fresh soap and noticed her
hair was wet
she had changed her clothes too but
there was no makeup
greenway stood straight
a very bad case
he said staring at ricky’s closed eyes
what’s next
said diane
we wait
said the doctor
he’ll wake up
and when he does
it’s very important that you are in this
room he must see his mother when he
opens his eyes
do you understand
i’m not leaving said diane
greenway looked at mark
you can come and go a bit
but it’s best if you stay here as much
as possible too
mark nodded his head
but he knew he would get bored
have you seen cases like this before
asked diane
greenway looked at ricky
and decided to tell the truth
he shook his head
not quite this bad he said
but i’m not worried
ricky will be all right
it’ll just take some time
he took a card and a newspaper from his
bag
here’s my phone number
he said
if ricky wakes up
tell the nurses and they’ll call me
immediately
okay
diane took the card and nodded
greenway opened the newspaper
have you
seen this
he asked
no she answered
well
you better read it
it’s about mr clifford
mark looked at the paper and saw a big
photo of romy
underneath the photo he read
mafia lawyer shoots himself
the word mafia
jumped at mark
and suddenly he felt sick
greenway leaned forward and spoke softly
to diane
it seems that mr clifford was a
well-known lawyer in new orleans
he was working on a murder case
the police and the fbi are downstairs
they want to talk to mark
why
ask diane
it’s a big case
the murdered man was a senator
you’ll understand more when you read
this story
then you can talk to them
no
said mark suddenly
diane in greenway looked at him
i don’t want to talk to them
said mark
i
i might get like ricky if i have to talk
about it
he added
keep them away for now said diane
all right said the doctor
i’ll keep them away until twelve
now don’t worry
just stay by this bed until i come back
greenway left
diane ran to the bathroom with the
newspaper and lit a cigarette
mark turned on the television by ricky’s
bed and found the news program
nothing but weather and sports
diane came back into the room
clifford’s client killed a united states
senator
she said slowly
i
wonder why he did that
said mark because he could think of
nothing different to say
it says
jerome clifford worked for the new
orleans mafia
and they think his client is a member
mark had seen film about the mafia on
television
his heart jumped
and he felt pains in his stomach
i’m hungry mom
are you hungry
why didn’t you tell me the truth mark
i’m sorry mom i planned to tell you when
we were alone
diane looked sad and tired
you never lie to me mark
i’m really hungry mom
can we talk about this later
give me some money and i’ll run down to
the cafe and get us something to eat
don’t you want some coffee
luckily diane wasn’t ready for a serious
talk yet
she opened her purse and gave him five
dollars
mark took the money and put it in his
you know where the cafe is
asked diane
he nodded
be careful
she said
and sat down again to watch ricky
mark left the room
he needed time to think
chapter 6
reggie love
as mark ate his breakfast in the cafe
he looked at gil teal’s card
he knew what he needed to do
he took some coffee back to his mother
and gave her a kiss
i’m going to look around the hospital
for a bit he told her
and left the room again
he asked the nurses for a phone book and
looked at the city map
gill teal’s office was not far away
then he went downstairs again
and left the hospital by a back door
mark walked quickly
it was tuesday
and he was the only kid on the street
he didn’t want anyone to ask why he
wasn’t at school
gil teal’s building was old and very
tall he entered the lift with a crowd of
others and went to the third floor
when he got out
he was in a long hole with a lot of
doors
he tried to walk calmly looking at the
names on the doors
they were all lawyers
but he wanted gil teal
at the end of the hall
he found the right door
the words
gill teal the people’s lawyer were
painted on it
three people waited by the door
mark entered the office
it was crowded with sad sick people just
like the hospital
mr teal certainly had a lot of clients
what do you want
said someone rudely
mark answered softly
i’d like to see mr teal
does he know you
no ma’am
did you have an accident
no ma’am
well
you’re in the wrong place
why do you need a lawyer
it’s private said mark
look kid
you see all these people
they’re all waiting to see mr teal
he’s a very busy man and he only takes
accident cases
okay
said mark
he was glad to leave the crowded office
he took the stairs and walked around the
second floor
more lawyers
he passed a few of them in the hall
they were too busy to notice him
suddenly he saw a policeman coming
towards him
the next door had
reggie love lawyer
painted on it in small letters
mark quickly opened the door and stepped
inside
there was a glass table
some magazines
soft music
and three chairs
and nobody waiting
a young man with a tie but no jacket sat
behind a desk
i help you
he said quite pleasantly
i’d like to see a lawyer
aren’t you a bit young
yes but i’m having some problems
are you mr love
no
i’m clint
i’m reggie’s secretary
then
i need to see reggie said mark
what’s your name
ask the secretary
mark sway
are you in trouble mark
yes
what type of trouble
you need to tell me a little bit about
it or reggie won’t talk to you
well
said mark
i have to talk to the fbi at 12 and i
think i need a lawyer
this was good enough
clint went away for a moment then came
back
he took mark to the lawyer’s office
this
is mark sway he said
hello mark
said the lawyer
i’m reggie love
mark looked at the lawyer in surprise
reggie love
was a woman
chapter 7
lawyer and client
reggie love was 52 years old and had
been a lawyer for only five years
the first thing that mark noticed about
her was her hair
it was gray
and very short
shorter than his
her eyes were green and she wore round
black glasses
her dress was black too
she put out her hand and mark shook it
would you like something to drink
she asked him
no ma’am
she crossed her legs
mark sway right
please don’t call me ma’am
i’m old enough to be your grandmother
but you can call me reggie okay
okay
how old are you mark
tell me a little about yourself
i’m 11
i go to school at willow road
now why aren’t you in school this
morning mark
it’s a long story
clint said that you have to meet the fbi
at 12 today
is this true
yes said mark
they want to ask me some questions at
the hospital
the hospital
she took out a piece of paper and a pen
it’s part of the long story
can i ask you something reggie
it was strange calling this lady by a
man’s name
sure
she said with a smile
if i tell you something
will you ever repeat it
of course not
never
only if you tell me i can repeat it
talking with a lawyer is like talking to
your doctor
what we say is secret and held in trust
do you understand
what if i tell you something that no one
but me knows
i can’t repeat it
something the police really want to know
i can’t repeat it she said again
any more questions
yes
where did you get the name reggie
my name used to be regina
i was married to a doctor
then
all sorts of bad things happened and my
husband left me
i changed my name to reggie and became a
lawyer
my father left my mother
i’m sorry
don’t be sorry my brother and i were
really happy about it
he drank a lot and hit us
he hit mom too
me and ricky always hated him
ricky’s your brother
yes he’s the one in hospital
what’s the matter with him
it’s part of the long story
would you like to tell me this story
mark was silent
he wasn’t ready to talk yet
are you afraid mark
a bit
one person is dead
one is in the hospital
the police and the fbi want to talk to
me
look mark
she said
first you have to pay me something
and then i’m your lawyer
i guess you don’t have much money do you
mark pulled the dollar from his pocket
and handed it to her
this is all i’ve got
she put the dollar on the desk and said
okay
now i’m the lawyer and you’re the client
let’s hear the story
mark took a long breath and looked at
the floor
he told her about ricky
and the cigarettes
and the car
and the man
reggie asked questions and wrote
everything down
mark told her everything except what
romy had said about the body
an hour after they started reggie took a
break
clint brought a newspaper and she read
the story twice
then she read her notes again
mark walked around the office as she
read
his lawyer looked very worried
and they nearly felt sorry for her he
really liked her
he sat down again
what are you afraid of mark
she said at last
lots of things
i’ve lied to the police and i think they
know it
my little brother’s very sick because of
me
i haven’t told the truth to his doctor
either
i don’t know what to do
and that’s why i’m here
what should i do
reggie said thoughtfully
have you told me everything
almost
have you lied to me
no
do you know where the body is
i think so
i know what jerome clifford told me
do you want to tell me where it is
she asked slowly
i’m not sure
said mark
i’m afraid to tell
i don’t want anyone to know that i know
about the body
romy told me his client
kills people
he’s in the mafia
and if he thinks i know the secret he’ll
want to kill me too
but the cops and the fbi want to talk to
me
do you think i should tell them
reggie stood
and walked slowly to the window
she wasn’t sure
mark was safe now
but would he be safe if he told
let’s do this mark don’t tell me where
the body is
maybe later
but not now
and let’s meet with the fbi and listen
to them
you don’t have to say a word
i’ll do the talking
and after that we’ll decide what to do
next
sounds good to me
okay said reggie
please call your mother and tell her
we’re coming
she checked her watch and put more paper
in her bag
i’m ready she said
but she looked nervous
chapter 8
the interview
what mark saw in the hospital room
frightened him at first
diane was in the bed
holding ricky
and kissing his head
he was moving and making strange noises
his eyes were open
then shut
it’s okay baby
said diane again and again
it’s okay
mommy’s here
mommy’s here
greenway stood close by
a nurse was on the other side of the bed
no one noticed mark as he came in
reggie was waiting outside
it was almost 12
and clearly nobody was thinking of the
meeting with the fbi
ricky opened his eyes again and seemed
to notice his mother
she kissed him again and again
and smiled through her tears
he woke up about two hours ago the
doctor explained
but he’s not talking yet
mark was glad about that
he didn’t want ricky to start talking
about clifford
not yet
is he going to be okay
he asked
i think so
said the doctor
but it’ll take time
where’s the rest of your family
your mother needs help
there’s only us
said mark
what about the fbi
she can’t talk to them now
said greenway
but they’re waiting for you
they said it’s serious
it’s okay said mark
i’m ready for them
i’ve got us a lawyer
a lawyer
said greenway surprised
how’s that
i found her this morning said mark
proudly
don’t worry
you take care of ricky and mom
and me and the lawyer will take care of
the fbi
reggie found an empty room
they were 10 minutes late for the
meeting but she wanted to do something
first
pull up your shirt she said quickly
she opened her bag and took out a small
black recorder
she checked the recorder and tied it to
mark’s waist
mark pulled down his shirt
perfect said reggie
let’s go down
the meeting was on the second floor in
room 28
reggie checked the recorder again and
turned it on
now go
she said
i’ll wait out here
just remember what i told you
mark took a deep breath
and knocked on the door
come in
someone said
he stepped inside and closed the door
three men faced him
they were not smiling
you
must be
mark
said one
where’s your mother
who are you
said mark
truman and mcthun introduced themselves
fultrig stayed silent
have a seat mark
said truman
well mark
we really wanted to see your mother too
she’s with my brother said mark
she can’t come today
maybe this can wait until she can come
no mark we really need to talk now
let’s talk a few minutes just using you
are you nervous
a little said
mark what do you want
we want to ask you some questions about
yesterday
do i need a lawyer
the detectives looked at each other in
surprise
of course not
it’s just a few questions that’s all
i already talked to a cop said mark
last night
we’re not cops said mcthun
we’re fbi
that’s why i’m nervous
maybe i do need a lawyer
what for
to protect my rights
the men smiled at each other
you’ve been watching too much tv kid
said mcthune
you don’t need a lawyer
well
can’t we wait until my mother can be
here
they smiled again
not really mark
we can wait if we have to
but you’re a clever kid and we’re in a
hurry
we just have a few questions for you
okay
said mark
if i have to
right
first was jerome clifford already dead
when you and ricky found the car
yesterday
do i have to answer the question
yes
we need to know the truth mark
what happens if i don’t answer
oh
lots of things
we could take you down to our office and
ask some really hard questions
could my mother get into trouble
maybe
what kind of trouble
now the men began to look nervous
they knew they shouldn’t talk to
children without first talking to their
parents
but they kept trying
mark
if a person knows about a crime and
doesn’t tell the police or the fbi they
might be punished
you know
go to prison or something like that
so
if i don’t answer your questions
me and mom might go to prison
the men looked at each other again
why don’t you want to answer the
question mark
are you hiding something
i’m just afraid
said mark i’m just 11 years old and
you’re the fbi and my mom’s not here
truman sat forward and looked serious
mark
was jerome clifford
already dead
when you and ricky found him
i need to go to the bathroom said mark
and got up
okay mark take five minutes
we’ll wait
mark left the room and closed the door
behind him
the men waited patiently
they knew mark would talk
but when the door opened again
it wasn’t mark
they stood up in surprise
keep your seats said the lady who walked
in
who are you
one asked rudely
we’re in a meeting
i’m reggie love
she said
i’m marx way’s lawyer
the men looked shocked
and sat down again
now
said reggie did you try to talk to my
client when his mother wasn’t with him
no
said truman
but he tells me you did
he came here alone said mcthuman quickly
we were just having a friendly talk
while we waited for her
did you tell mark he should talk to a
lawyer
we maybe joked about that said mcthun
mark didn’t ask you if he needed a
lawyer
they shook their heads
did you advise him of his rights
of course not
he’s not a criminal he’s just a kid
reggie slowly opened her bag
and took out the black recorder
it’s all here boys
she said
do you want to hear it
you tried to question him without his
mother present
you told him he didn’t need a lawyer
you didn’t tell him his rights and you
said he might go to prison
the room was silent
well boys
from now on i want the truth from you
she said
now tell me what you want to know from
my client
they told her
i see said reggie
you boys really need the body don’t you
and you think mark can help
well i’ll talk to him some more and i’ll
meet you in my office around three
thank you
ms love
said mcthun politely
it’s reggie said reggie
just call me reggie
chapter nine
the reporter
barry muldano was pleased with his new
lawyer
he was clever and he was quick
when the lawyer showed him a copy of the
memphis newspaper
barry went to see his uncle johnny
johnny was head of the mafia in new
orleans
and it was time for barry to explain a
few things
first he explained about the senator’s
body
uncle johnny was not amused
then he explained about telling jerome
clifford
so what
said johnny
clifford’s dead now
then barry explained about the two boys
who found him
what if romy told them about the body
said barry
uncle johnny became angry
you’ve done a stupid thing barry
he said
now
what are you gonna do about it
i need to send a killer to memphis
said the blade
you’re gonna kill the boys
asked his uncle
maybe yes maybe no
said barry
first we need to know if they know
something
send cronky
said his uncle
back in memphis
slick moeller was pleased with his work
the morning newspaper carried his first
story about clifford’s death
now he wanted more news
slick walked around the hospital looking
for people who would talk to him
he found a cleaner
the cleaner was pleased to talk to a
reporter and told him which room the
boys were in
he also told him the police had been
there
the fbi had been here all day too
said the cleaner
and now the family’s got a lawyer
reggie is someone
don’t know his other name
slick waited near ricky’s room until
mark came out
how’s your brother
he asked in a friendly way
he’s doing great said mark who are you
i’m a reporter said slick
i’m working on a story about clifford
the cops say you know more about it than
you’re telling
when’s the story coming out
asked mark
maybe tomorrow
said slick
mark felt sick
i’m not answering any questions
that’s fine said slick and walked away
mark sat down in a quiet corner
and began to cry
ricky was quiet again
his thumb was back in his mouth and his
eyes were closed
diane turned as mark came into the room
who’s this lawyer mark
she asked
why do we need her i’m frightened mom
there are cops all over the place
and the fbi
and now there are reporters wanting to
talk to me
we need a lawyer
lawyers don’t work for nothing mark
don’t worry mom
i paid her a dollar
she’s working for a dollar
she must be a great
lawyer what has she done so far
she met the fbi today
and she’s meeting them again now
she’s coming to talk to you tonight
mom
i need to tell you some things about me
and ricky
and mark told diane what he and ricky
had seen
that’s why ricky’s in shock
said mark
will you explain to dr greenway
it might help him to help ricky
okay
said diane
you’ve done nothing wrong
trying to help that man
but why did you lie to the doctor
tell him
i only just remembered said mark
tell him i was in shock too
a bit like ricky
but now i remember
i’ll tell him said diane
chapter 10
the mafia arrived
the photos in wednesday’s newspaper were
from the willow road school book
they were a year old but they were the
best slick could find
under the photos were their names
mark sway
ricky sway
the story told more about clifford’s
death
and said ricky was in shock at st
peter’s hospital
the story also said a lot about mark
how he called 911 but didn’t give his
name
about his fingerprints in the car
and about the fbi wanting to talk to him
you’re famous
said a nurse giving mark the newspaper
what is it said mark
suddenly seeing his own face
he read the story slowly
this is bad he thought
now the mafia knows where to find me
mark was on his way to the cafe for
breakfast
he gave the paper back and walked to the
lift
the door opened and he stepped in
it was empty
it was still early
at floor number eight the lift stopped
and a man stepped in
he wore a white coat in jeans
mark didn’t look at him
he was tired of meeting new people
the door closed
and suddenly the man grabbed mark
he had a knife
he pushed his horrible face near marx
listen to me mark sway
he said
i don’t know what jerome clifford told
you
but if you repeat a single word of it
even to your lawyer
i’ll kill you
and i’ll kill your mother
and your little brother
gronky was doing his job well
mark was white with fear
i know where you live
continued the man
and i know where you go to school
you can’t escape me
understand
mark’s eyes were suddenly wet
he nodded yes yes yes
the lift was stopping again
and if you tell anyone about me
i’ll
get you
said the man
and he disappeared
reggie reached her office at nine
clint made her a cup of coffee and gave
her the morning newspaper
coffee’s excellent she said as she
opened the paper and saw mark’s picture
suddenly mark himself was in the room
wet from the rain
and out of breath
what’s the matter mark she asked
how’s ricky
he’s okay
said mark
have you seen today’s paper
i’ve just read it she said
does it worry you
of course it does
clint came into the room with a hot
drink for mark
mark thanked him and warmed his hands on
the cup
are you ready to meet the fbi at 10
asked reggie
i’m not sure i want to talk to them
okay
you don’t have to you look frightened
why
what would happen to me
if i never told anyone what i know
you’ve told me
yes
but you’re my lawyer
and i haven’t told you everything
not where the body is
i know mark
so
what happens if i never tell
reggie had been thinking about this all
night
but she still had no answer
yesterday afternoon when she met fultrig
she saw that he would try everything
possible to get mark to talk
a lie could save mark
one
simple
lie
but she was a lawyer
and she could not advise him to lie
poor kid
i think they’ll try to make you talk
she said at last
it’s very rare
but i think the law can make you tell
what you know to a judge
and if i refuse
good question mark
if you were an adult
you could go to prison
i don’t know what they’d do with a child
but if you lie to the judge
you could be in big trouble
if i tell the truth i’m in bigger
trouble
why
mark didn’t answer
mark
at the hospital last night
you told me you were ready to talk to
the fbi and tell them your story
now you’ve changed your mind
why
what’s happened
mark gently put his cup on the table
covered his face
and began to cry
until 10 o’clock roy fultrigg was in an
excellent mood
all yesterday afternoon his men had been
finding information about reggie love
they knew she used to be married to a
rich doctor
they knew the doctor had left her
and they knew that she had started
drinking heavily and taking drugs
so the doctor was able to take her
children from her
now she had no husband
no children
and no money
and a new name
roy voltrig thought he could use this
information against reggie
fultrigg’s job was to prove that barry
muldano had killed the senator
he was sure that mark knew something
that would help him
then he would win the case and have his
face on the front pages of the
newspapers again
at ten o’clock
foltrig returned to reggie’s office
ready for the promised meeting with mark
clint opened the door to him
i’m sorry mr fultrigg he said
reggie and mark have nothing to discuss
today
fultrig shouted angrily then left
banging the door
he went straight to the fbi office and
shouted some more
i want the kid followed he said angrily
we know gronkie’s in town he mustn’t get
to the kid
watch the lawyer too
and i want you to prepare papers to take
to a judge
we’re going to make mark sway talk
chapter 11
mama love
when reggie and mark returned to the
hospital there were reporters everywhere
miss love miss love
they called
just a few questions please
she took mark’s hand and walked faster
is it true your client is refusing to
speak to the fbi
did your client talk to jerome clifford
before he died
is it true your client knows where the
senator’s body is
reggie said quickly to mark
don’t look at them and don’t say a word
in room 943
ricky was sitting on the end of the bed
dr greenway told mark to sit next to him
and hold his hand
ricky
he said
i would like to talk about the other day
when you and mark were hiding in the
trees
it’s okay ricky
said mark
he knows we were smoking
mom’s not angry with us
i’m
really cold
said ricky
ricky it’s very warm in here
said dr greenway
now do you remember seeing the big black
car
yes
said ricky quietly
what did the big black car do ricky
ricky shut his eyes tightly
put his head on mark’s knee
and his thumb went into his mouth
he didn’t speak another word for 24
hours
reggie asked diane if mark could spend
the night at her house
diane agreed
so when ricky was asleep again they left
the hospital in reggie’s sports car
it was old but reggie liked to drive
fast and that was fine with mark
mark watched the mirror closely to see
if anyone was following them
you think mom and ricky are safe he
asked
yes
don’t worry about them
the hospital promised to keep guards at
the door
now i wonder what mama love is giving us
for dinner
mama love was reggie’s mother
she often had young guests to dinner
most of reggie’s work was with children
some had family problems
some had drug problems and some had
already started a life of crime
reggie often decided that they needed
good food that mama loves
mama loves cooking is the best she told
mark
and it was
mama love was half italian and she
cooked food the old way
everything was fresh and smelled perfect
they spent an hour at the table
talking and eating dinner
dinner in the trailer never took more
than 10 minutes
after dinner
mama love showed mark some photographs
reggie’s children she said
i never see them now
one’s on drugs
and the other has big money problems
their father took them and spoiled them
reggie felt angry at first
but she’s got a new life now
and tries not to think about it
mark’s bed was comfortable
and he fell asleep quickly
but around two o’clock he woke up
and found himself worrying about mom and
ricky
why was he here
his place was with them at the hospital
he got up and stood at the window
thinking about the past two days
it all started on monday after school
now he had missed two days of school
when would it all end
as mark looked into the dark night
he suddenly noticed
a small red light
a cigarette
someone was out there
in the street
smoking a cigarette
though he couldn’t be seen
mark held his breath
someone was watching the house
gronky put out his cigarette and went to
his car
the kid was not going to move tonight
and he had something to do
he drove to tucker trailer park
chapter 12
things get worse
7 30 a.m was too early for reggie
but she had to get mark back to diane
clint called before they left
bad news reggie he said
mark’s picture is on the front page
again
slick moeller has written another story
when they got to the hospital
they could see the reporters waiting
outside the front door
follow me
said mark
and led reggie through a side door to
the kitchens and up the back stairs
i know this hospital well now don’t i
he said proudly
his smile dropped when he saw his mother
she was sitting in the hall with a cop
next to her
she was crying hard
mark ran to her
she grabbed him and held him tight
mark
she said
our trailer burned down last night
that’s right said the cop
just a few hours ago
diane was still crying
everything’s gone mark
what started the fire reggie asked
don’t know yet
said the cop
how’s ricky mom
asked mark
he’s okay
said diane
he had a good night
look mom
said mark
can we go inside and talk
diane nodded and took him into the room
when the door closed
the tiny
homeless sway family was all alone
pultrig had a plan
maybe we can get a judge to take mark
into custody get the law to keep him
safe for us
the others looked interested
here are the advantages
said fultrig
first it will protect mark from the
mafia
at the same time it will frighten mark
and make him ready to talk
we’ll tell the judge we need mark safe
so we can talk in court
if you want to do that said mcsoon
you need to see judge harry roosevelt
he’s the chief judge for the children’s
courts here in memphis
but don’t tell him you want to frighten
mark
the best way to get him to agree to
custody is to show him that mark is in
danger
and if you want to get mark into court
you will have to say he knows something
that will help the moldano case
he knows something all right said
fultrig
i’m sure of it
when judge harry roosevelt became a
judge 22 years ago
he was the first black judge of the
children’s court in tennessee
he was clever
he was kind
and he was wise
when he heard about the danger to mark
sway he thought carefully
he didn’t like to do it
but he agreed to hear mark in court
and to take him into custody until then
he signed an order
take him
into the children’s prison
he said
give him a private room
do not frighten him
i’ll speak to his lawyer later today
mark and diane were in their room
talking about the fire and all the
things they had lost
they whispered because they didn’t want
ricky to know about the fire yet ricky
was awake
his eyes were open
but he was staring at the ceiling
without saying a word or moving at all
there was something mark didn’t say to
diane
something that worried him
maybe the fire wasn’t an accident
could it be another message from the man
with the knife
trailers didn’t usually burn down at
four o’clock in the morning
there was a knock at the door
mark opened it
two men entered the room
memphis police here detective nassar and
detective clickman looking for diane
sway
and they handed diane some papers
these are from the children’s court ms
sway
said nassar
we’re here to take mark’s way into
custody now ma’am
the judge wants to see him in court this
afternoon
what
diane shouted at nassar dropping the
papers
judges orders
said nassar picking up the papers
you can’t take my son
shouted diane
but they could
and they did
pulling him into the hall
diane ran after them grabbed mark and
screamed
nassar held diane and clickman tried to
pull mark away
diane kicked clickman and there was more
screaming and fighting in the middle of
all this
ricky appeared at the door
he stared at mark who was held by
clickman
he stared at his mother
who was held by nassar
stared at ricky
his face was white
and his mouth was open
it’s okay mom
i’ll go
said mark
look after ricky
and call reggie
tell her to come to the prison
a lady in a uniform with doreen on the
pocket met them at the prison
she gave nassar a paper to sign
and asked mark to empty his pockets
everything went into a metal box
then she took him to a small room
it wasn’t too bad
but mark felt very lonely
can i use a phone
he asked
to call my mom
doreen brought him a phone and a phone
book
you can have it for 10 minutes she said
and locked the door
mark found the number for st peters
and asked for room 943
number 943
isn’t taking calls just now
he was told
ricky must be asleep thought mark
he tried reggie
no luck
then he had an idea
he called a pizza restaurant
this is
detective clickman
memphis police
he said in a deep voice
please send me
40 pizzas for a surprise party here in
the police station
i’ll pay when they come
when doreen came back for the phone
mark looked much happier
chapter 13
back to prison
reggie didn’t hear about mark until
lunchtime on thursday she often worked
in the children’s courts and she knew
judge roosevelt well
she rushed to his office
i’m not surprised to see you reggie
he said
i can’t understand why you did this
harry she said
mark has done nothing wrong
i’ve agreed to see him in court this
afternoon
said the judge
and i’m keeping him safe until then
wait here
i’ll ask the guards to bring him here to
see you
now when mark arrived he smiled at
reggie
don’t worry he said i’m okay
but what should i say in court
reggie explained carefully
no one can make you talk she said
but the judge can keep you in custody if
you don’t
but i’ve done nothing wrong
no
said reggie
but if the judge asks you questions and
you don’t answer
then that would be wrong
the law is very clear on this
if you know something that will help a
murder case you can’t keep quiet
even if you think you’re in danger
it’s a stupid law
said mark
maybe
said reggie
but we can’t change it today
i could tell them i don’t know anything
said mark
reggie wanted to say yes
but she kept silent
at last
she said firmly
you can’t lie in court mark
slick moeller was waiting outside the
courtroom
he saw mark go in with two guards
he saw reggie go in next
and then the fbi men with voltric
he smiled to himself
in the children’s court there could be
no cameras and no reporters
he knew full trick wouldn’t like that
the courtroom door was locked and slick
waited patiently
when it was unlocked again he walked
quickly into the men’s toilets and
waited there
soon
one of the guards joined him
what happened
asked slick now be
the quick wouldn’t talk said the guard
so he’s going back to prison
what does he know
the judge asked him if he knew where the
senator’s body is
but he wouldn’t answer
what next asked slick
the judge wants to see him again
tomorrow
he’s given him one night to change his
mind
slick past the guard 100
you didn’t hear it from me
said the guard
trust me said slick
full trigg was shouting again
that no good judge
he said again and again
that
no good
judge
he’s too soft
i’m going back to new orleans
this murder case is a new orleans job
i can get mark called to the courts in
new orleans then we can really make him
talk
but the fbi
had other ideas
when full trigger left they asked for
another meeting with the judge in reggie
they wanted to explain how the
government could protect mark and his
family if he gave evidence against the
mafia
it’s called
the witness protection program
said mcthun
i’ve heard of it mr mcthun
said the judge
tell us more about it
it’s quite simple
we move the family to another city
we give them new names
we find a good job for the mother
and get them a nice place to live
we make sure the boys are in a good
school
we give them some money
and we stay close by
well
reggie
said the judge
it sounds good
it certainly did
at the moment the sways had no home
diane had a poor job
they had no relations in memphis
they can’t move just now she said
ricky must stay in hospital
we’ve found a children’s hospital in
phoenix that can take him right away
said mcthun
it’s a private hospital and of course
we’ll pay for it
what do you think reggie
ask judge roosevelt
i’ll talk to diane about it said reggie
good
said the judge
and see if she can come to court
tomorrow
i’d like her to be there
i’ll try
said reggie
mark was also thinking about how to save
his family
doreen was surprised to see him back at
the prison
how long are you back for she asked
the judge didn’t say
i have to go to court again tomorrow
how’s your little brother
mark put on a very sad face
he’s probably going to die he said
no
yes
said mark in a small voice
he doesn’t talk
he makes terrible noises
and he doesn’t eat
i’m sorry
it’s bad
i don’t feel so good myself
poor kid
anything i can get you
no
i just need to lie down
poor kid
she said again
i’ll keep an eye on you
chapter 14
no other way
slick’s story of mark’s courtroom
appearance was in the newspaper on
friday morning
front page news again
gronkey took the first plane to new
orleans and called the blade
look barry
he said
i can’t do much when the kid’s in prison
can i
but he hasn’t talked yet
think about it i got to him with a knife
i burned the trailer
the kid’s too frightened to speak
i don’t know grunky
said mildano
the kid knows something
sure you can’t get to him
we can’t kill the kid barry
everyone’s watching him
what about his mother or brother
gronkie said nothing
he was tired of muldano’s game
what about his lawyer
why do you want to kill his lawyer
because i hate lawyers
said the blade wildly
no barry
said gronkey wondering if muldonna was
going mad
i’m not in the mood to kill anyone just
now
that’s fine said moldano
another man can do it
when judge roosevelt read slick’s story
his eyes grew cold
in the children’s court
everything was private
how did muller get his information
he would call muller to the court today
to explain
it was going to be another busy day
but at the end of it his sons would take
him fishing for the weekend
he smiled at this pleasant thought
the courtroom story made full trig angry
again
but the papers to call mark to the court
in new orleans were nearly ready
he took a call from the local fbi
mr foltrig
we thought you’d like to know that
gronkie’s back in town
he arrived this morning
and we have a recording of a phone
conversation with moldano
let me hear it said fultrig
good he said when he’d heard it
send it to memphis
i want judge roosevelt to hear it today
it will make him keep mark sway in
custody for the weekend
tonight we’ll send papers to colemark to
new orleans
the courts are closed until monday
and by that time we’ll have the kid here
where we want him
slick’s story made reggie sad
with newspaper reports like this
the mafia knew everything that was going
on
she sat with mark now
trying to explain about the witness
protection program
what does mom think
asked mark
she’s not sure
said reggie
i’m not sure either said mark
i saw this once in a film
someone told the truth about the mafia
and the fbi helped him to disappear
he got a new face
even a new wife
he went to brazil
what happened
it took the mafia a year to find him
they killed his wife too
it was just a film mark
there’s no other way
it’s the safest thing to do
of course i have to tell them what i
know before they’ll do all these
wonderful things for us
that’s part of the agreement mark
the mafia never forgets reggie
you’ve watched too many films mark
it’s easy for you reggie
you’ll be fine
but we’ll live in fear for the rest of
our lives
there’s no other way mark
yes there is
i could lie
chapter 15
escape
didn’t lie
but he wasn’t ready yet to tell the
truth
when the court met again on friday
afternoon
no one was really surprised when he
again refused to answer the judge’s
questions
i’m not going to answer that he said
time after time
but everyone was shocked by the
recording that was played
reggie’s eyes opened wide when she heard
muldano speak of killing her
the judge agreed that mark was in great
danger and returned him to custody
there was a surprise though when slick
moeller came before the judge
true to his word the reporter refused to
name the person who gave him private
information
well mr mohler
said the judge
if i can send a child to prison for
refusing to tell what he knows
i can do the same for you
slick knew more than anyone about crime
in memphis but he had never been inside
a prison
now
it was his turn
back in his prison room
mark was ready for his plan
for half an hour he ran around his room
until his heart was going very fast and
his face was red and hot
when he heard doreen’s key
he lay on the floor
closed his eyes and put his thumb in his
mouth
mark
shouted doreen when she saw him
mark
oh you poor kid
she ran from the room to get help and
was back in a few seconds with another
guard
mark was worried about this
said doreen
he’s in shock like his little brother
look
his skin is all wet
and his heart is going so fast
stay here
i’ll call an ambulance
said the other guard
we need to get him to hospital
everything was confused after that
nobody wanted a boy to die in prison
when the ambulance came the guards
signed papers to send mark to hospital
and he was taken at once to st peter’s
more papers
there were nurses everywhere and
everyone was in a hurry
a nurse moved mark to a bed
sign this
said the ambulance men
and be quick we have another case
waiting
the nurse signed
the men left
and the nurse went to answer a phone
mark opened his eyes
and saw he was alone
he jumped off the bed and ran into a
hall
nobody noticed him
he disappeared into an empty office and
found a phone
reggie he said quickly when she answered
the phone
i’m in saint peter’s
i can’t talk now
please come and get me
don’t tell anyone
i’ll be in the car park
mark knew how to hide in the hospital
he moved quickly and quietly
and found his way to the car park
when reggie’s car arrived he climbed in
and hid on the floor
drive reggie he said
drive anywhere
let’s go
i’ll explain later
when the nurse came back
mark was not there
someone’s moved him she thought
and hurried off to another job
when fultriggs men arrived with papers
to take mark to new orleans they checked
the prison
and then checked the hospital
only then did people realize that he was
gone
he’s what cried diane
go find him
said mcthun
but by then
mark and reggie were on the road
where are we going
asked reggie
listen reggie said mark
i’ve been thinking
what if romy told me a lie
what if the body isn’t where he said
then i’d be safe
we need to check
we need to go
to new orleans
chapter 16
new orleans
on saturday the news was out
everyone was looking for mark
when barry moldano heard he was wild
with fear
he went straight to tell his uncle
the kids disappeared
he said
what’s he going to do now
i need to move the body
help me
give me two men
you’re stupid stupid stupid said uncle
johnny
i’ll give you two men
but don’t get caught
i’ll do it tonight said barry
when it’s dark
reggie and mark reached new orleans on
saturday afternoon
they drove all night
stopping only to sleep a few hours in
the car
reggie knew it was wrong
she knew the cops and the fbi would be
looking for them
they talked through the night about
memphis and mark’s life there
about his school
and his friends
then mark said sadly
if the body is there
i can’t go back to memphis can i
so they talked about the witness
protection plan
reggie still had no idea where they were
going
we have to find clifford’s house
said mark
the body’s there
are you crazy
it’s there said mark
under his boat in the garage
they found the house late on saturday
afternoon
the streets were quiet so they parked
the car and walked round to the back of
the house
all was silent
there’s the garage
said mark quietly
this is crazy
said reggie
we’ll wait until dark
reggie looked at her watch
midnight
they were hiding in the tall grass
behind the house
she was tired and had pains in her legs
it was time to move
slowly they crawled through the grass
towards the garage
reggie was shaking
she was afraid of snakes
suddenly mark stopped
there’s a light in there he whispered
there’s someone there
stay here reggie
he crawled silently to a window
there was the boat
and it was moving
he saw the shapes of three men
okay well donald
said one of the men
where do we dig
mark’s heart was in his mouth
he crawled back to reggie
it’s
maldano he whispered
they’re digging up the body
what do we do now
oh no said reggie i told you this was
crazy
let me think
and suddenly
she knew what to do
she crawled in the other direction
towards the house next door
with her shoe
she broke a window
suddenly the night was no longer silent
bells rang everywhere
lights went on in the house next door
voices were shouting a man appeared with
a gun he shot wildly into the dark
look called mark
they’re leaving
aldano and his men ran out of the garage
and disappeared
reggie crawled back
it was another hour before the confusion
ended
police came to the house next door
more shouting more lights
mark and reggie stayed hidden behind
clifford’s garage
then
all was silent again
come on
said mark
we have to look
the lock on the garage door was broken
in the dark they moved towards the boat
next to it
there was a hole
in the hole
was a plastic bag
we have to look said mark again
and they opened the bag
the horrible dead face of the senator
stared up at them
the smell was terrible
reggie felt sick
but now they knew the truth
come on she said
i have to make a phone call
chapter 17
waiting
it was sunday morning
everyone was waiting
in johnny’s office moldano was waiting
nervously for night to come
he would have to try again
at his home
foldrig was waiting angrily for news of
mark
he needed him in court on monday
at the city airport
mark and reggie were waiting
they were in a private room
with detective truman of the fbi
what time will they be here asked reggie
soon
said truman
they left an hour ago
will they have the papers
asked reggie
sure
said truman
everything you asked for
mark was at a window watching a jet take
off
he thought he would like flying
maybe he would be a pilot
he’s a brave kid
said truman to reggie
a black fbi jet landed
is it them
mark asked excitedly
the door opened the stairs came down
and mcphoon appeared
he was followed by diane
then dr greenway carrying ricky
truman led mark and reggie to meet them
reggie watched while mark and diane held
each other close
then she turned to mcthune
you’ll take ricky to a hospital she
asked
agreed
we have a room booked in phoenix a
private hospital they’re waiting for
ricky
when he’s better
they can choose where to live
agreed said macthune it’s all in the
papers i just need you and miss sway to
sign
mom
said mark
i’ve been thinking
what about
australia they have real cowboys there
i saw it in a film once
no more films for you mark laughed diane
no more tv
just books from now on and she signed
the papers
reggie watched as mark and diane walked
back to the plane
suddenly mark turned
aren’t you coming reggie he asked
no mark
i can’t
he bit his lip
i’ll never see you again
will i
she shook her head
there were tears in her eyes
i love you mark
i’ll miss you
i’ll miss you too he said
and for once he was not ashamed to cry
in public
i’ll never see you again
said mark again almost to himself
he dried his wet eyes with the back of
his hand
and walked slowly to join his mother at
the top of the stairs
he turned for one last look
minutes later as the plane moved away
truman said again
he’s a brave kid
reggie looked at the plane and said
nothing
then she turned
and told him what he wanted to know
the body
is in the garage behind jerome
clifford’s house she said
886
east brookline
thanks reggie
truman said
suddenly ready to leave
don’t thank me said reggie looking into
the clouds
thank mark
[Music]
you