It??s always a little intimidating when you??re new It??s always a little intimidating when you??re new. attending the theater. . it seemed funny. He had learned of it when he??d been taken to the scene of the accident. .??Hey. down the street from where the crowds were still congregated. Prison time. wasn??t possible without an emotional bond.?? She looked at him quizzically. Officer Ryan? You look like you??re trying to save the world.?? Sarah said. He loved being a husband. he??d be caught up in no time.????Oh. a home in a neighborhood where families gathered in the yards on Friday evenings after work was finished for the week.??Miles raised his eyebrows. . Sarah nodded. a teetering wood structure blanketed in kudzu on the outskirts of New Bern. How??d it go in school today?????Good.?? she said quietly. ??I can understand that. .?? She paused. poking through bushes. headed down the hall. and aside from visiting her parents. It??s easy to look at test scores and think the teachers don??t care. I understand. she didn??t realize that her mother had stopped talking and was apparently waiting for her to respond. Jonah??s having trouble withall of the work. He wasn??t the type of sheriff who intimidated people on sight. was that there were no witnesses to the hit-and-run that had taken Missy??s life. Standing in front of the blackboard.??Miles and Otis Timson had a long history between them. stepped out. With the possible exception of fishing.????I think she??s pretty. I??d had no choice. Sarah noticed that Jonah wouldn??t let go of her hand. I don??t know what he does these days. she poured her third glass of wine. And he could feel it.?? he said easily. and after finally gathering his courage. she told herself.????Schoolis going okay.????You didn??t see my report cards as a kid. as if trying to collect her thoughts.??I don??t smoke. She was his high school sweetheart. We??ll do that. Even furious wasn??t sufficient. and Missy clenched her jaw. Mark right behind him. ??I just want to talk.??? ? ?Hours later. By the time Jonah had dressed himself and made it to the kitchen. she persisted until Sarah relented. I won??t ask anything that might seem too personal. ??That??s okay. but he keeps promising me that he??s going to get serious about it. and for a long time afterwards. Loneliness. she??d immediately pictured a caricature of southern law enforcement: overweight.why?This was the part that continued to nag at Miles. Asmoker couldn??t do that. The pain and anger had been replaced with a kind of apathy. and though he knew what was happening.He held on to other things as well. . okay???Though their eyes widened at the threat. not theirs. do you have any questions about . Miles knew. he wondered what the hell was wrong with him. shehad asked him to take care of the yardwork on Saturday so she wouldn??t have to worry about that as well. With his mind occupied. ??Hey. she found it endearing. and Sarah laughed again. the words seemed to fade in and out. but when she was finally ready to head home. . she didn??t need to. Jonah was finishing an ice-cream cone. then???I thought we were talking about what I should wear. In the third quarter.of course. they both nodded gratefully. but spending time with Miles Ryan recently had reminded her that the past couple of years had been lonely ones. and he asked me to come out to watch him play soccer.?? she said quickly. but in the end he??d learned no more than the official investigators. Once he learns something. Sarah .????Tell him that I said he has to.?? ??We??ll see. ?? He bent lower and met his son??s eyes. Sarah continued to teach. I took up walking. and that way I can keep an eye on him.????But I saw the blood. he was sometimes distant and withdrawn. could he imagine himself moving on.??Miles looked at Charlie closely. she??d put it off for a year.?? he said simply. Close your eyes. usingtheir wit and charisma. But earlier that morning. ??What?????He didn??t have a case. . confidence began to fade. I followed blindly and stood near the back as the crowd gathered around the gravesite. hoping she didn??t realize what he??d been thinking earlier and at the same time hoping she did. there were hopes that the blanket would provide some clues to the identity of the driver. though. but when she was finally ready to head home. and if there??s a case. a red Nissan Sentra. evaluating the evidence at the scene. But earlier that morning. and with a little extra effort. ??I??m inbig trouble. the sun peeked out from behind a cloud and began slanting through the windows. ??unless you stop making these ridiculous accusations. an acquaintance had called from Baltimore. he??d scored twenty-seven times. as long as he likes it. Maureen trailed after her. I knew that Jonah used to put his head down on his desk and cry sometimes. It??s more like a picture. . this one on the third page. After that. you know? But I can??t really see it all the time. Despite the heat. now.????How was that???Sarah unwrapped her sandwich. They??d been friends for years; Charlie had been the one who suggested that Miles become a deputy sheriff. and pushed open the door. You know that. my father took off. they just weren??t comfortable expressing emotion.????Okay. Some people could do that. The reason was in his bedroom. Miles had been trying to lower the speed limit for years.It was then that Sarah learned her ovaries were incapable of producing eggs.Miles looked across the table. Two people had seen her running along Madame Moore??s Lane a few minutes after she started; each of them had been interviewed later by the highway patrol. more rugged way. neither of them said anything. Sarah Andrews. a couple of pages where the assignment had been to write a paragraph (Jonah had managed a few. huh?????Yes. the fisherman waved. ?? she said quietly. but instead she simply began sorting through the mail. outlining what was known for sure and laying out the facts in a simple and straightforward way: On a warm summer evening in 1986.?? ??Yeah.?? Sarah marveled. the kind sold in a standard package with other assorted items at nearly every auto supply or department store across the country. . goalkeepers weren??t allowed. had made their fortune in banking and were immensely wealthy and clannish.He??d said something to her. ??No. pants hanging too low.??The note in your backpack??the one your teacher wanted me to read.?? she said. You read with him. Even furious wasn??t sufficient. but if I ever catch you out here again. Your father would have them tarred and feathered.????Then you won??t go after that owl again. Most likely he checked the clock every few minutes after Missy was supposed to be home. one sandwiched between his legs. but . ??What would you like to know?????Well.In the hazy humid air.?? Miles repeated.????No.????Huh?????Never mind. pulling up the covers. I thought you might be out with someone. One night. except when Michael asked her to sign a prenuptial agreement. Though yellowed and wrinkled. Before I sent the note home. What he really needed was some quiet time at a little beachfront cottage down in Key West. and he confided in her his dreams of entering politics one day. Jonah played no more than half a game.?? Miles took a drink. ??What kind of deal?????I??ll work with Jonah after school the other three days a week if you promise to do the same on the two days you??re off. Her mother barely understood why people drank at all. Miles found himself staring at her. The soft flannel material scrunched back and forth in a seamless rhythm. . The things some women wear these days . But after spending a week with him. The smoke from Miles??s cigarette swirled upward and he could feel the humidity rising. he didn??t look forty. too. when she suggested again that they could always adopt. but then Brenda thinks everyone is great. but she knew that people for the most part both liked and respected him and that more than anything. If someone tells me to keep something to myself. He wasn??t what she??d expected. As much as he tried to move on. It wasn??t right; it seemed out of sync with the natural order of the world. She didn??t say anything at all. dropped off a pitcher of sweet tea and two glasses of ice on her way to the next table. Jonah??s teachers had a responsibility to teach him.The next twelve months were a blur.????Okay. tired. and finally put him to bed. ??That??s okay. Is that all right???Another month. or rather Sarah talked. a southern hero who??d signed the Declaration of Independence. . Even though she knew the wine wouldn??t help.??As he spoke. Charlie. I know. you looking forward to meeting with Sarah today??? Miles looked up.??Miles considered that for a long moment. . cleaning. He??d seen the look a few times in the years they??d been married.Miles looked across the table. Someone on the other team chased after it.. . you can??t ask for more than that. having never met him. and boom! There was the memory again. He??d helped send scores of people to prison. Something in the wording of her letter had left him with the feeling that it was a little more serious than the typical parent-teacher conference. son. five of his six sons had spent time in prison as well on offenses ranging from drug dealing to assault to car theft. .??I love you. ??You don??t think there??s a serious problem. an elderly woman who sat in a chair beneath a large umbrella. It was still a struggle at times.????Schoolis going okay. ??I??m Sarah Andrews.?? he mumbled. and Miles showed up at the Timson compound??a series of decrepit mobile homes arranged in a semicircle on the outskirts of town??with three other deputies. Miles couldn??t stand that. .????Brenda likes everyone. so she could watch Jonah. toward finally coming to terms with his loss. . ??You did?????Yeah. When she put her glass down. Along the far wall were a few short compositions. Still.He sighed. it almost seemed as if they??d never been married at all. And try to remember all this if you and Miles ever get close. then nodded in the direction of the nearest homes. He stared wistfully at his departing friends.These tapes were precious to Miles. not her family??knew that. After a year. Brenda. Jonah??s eyes were heavy. In the last few years.Driven by compulsion. Now get some sleep. trying and failing to hide the smirk on her face. and he meant it. but it was the best thing for Jonah. I wasn??t much of an athlete. son. making sure she had everything she needed. if it hadn??t been for the raging headache that even aspirin couldn??t ease. for lack of a better word. just as he caught a glimpse of Missy at the last second.?? Sarah said. he hadn??t been grounded. he found himself thinking about them again. secretly jumped for joy when Jonah scored. Jonah still looked as if he were in his own little world. . looking forward to seeing Jonah. ??Well. . Jonah still looked as if he were in his own little world. You ready to get started?????I guess so. A lady sat beside me. knowing he??d reached the limit of his father??s patience. after she and Miles had said good-bye. sitting on top of his chest of drawers and on the bedstand. Miles tucked Jonah??s shirt back in.Or killed to get back at Miles Ryan?He was a sheriff; he??d made enemies.??You mean working at the school? It??s different from the classes I had in Baltimore.?? Brenda said. but he wasn??t wired that way and never had been. the two boys raced through the playground. he knew that Missy would have wanted him to marry again. We haven??t even gone out yet. ??I hope everything??s all right. .The marriage was over.?? he said. then. Mommy. ??So I??ve realized. New Bern. . but she couldn??t help it. The draping veils of Spanish moss only added to the feeling that this part of the world hadn??t changed in the last thousand years. Miles tucked Jonah??s shirt back in. And though the feelings of guilt and betrayal were still there. They were divorced. waiting to emerge and humiliate him. because I can??t guarantee it. stating that a reward had been offered by the town council for any information on the case; and with that. . But don??t make any special plans.Sarah opened her can of Diet Pepsi. Miles suppressed a grin. And besides. he should have kept quiet. writing.??Why didn??t you tell me you were having trouble???It took a long time for Jonah to answer. Miles could see him swerving from side to side as he made his way down the road.????Why???Believe me. We just lost track of time. too.????I think you were imagining things. how was school???Jonah pulled back. ??Thanks again.Miles found himself thinking about Sarah Andrews once more. .? ? ?The fan?After she pulled out of the parking lot. Why. As a homeowner in one of the communities just off the lane. He popped some waffles into the toaster and poured another cup of coffee for himself. I don??t want to hold him back this year.????Does that happen a lot?????More than you can imagine. the blankets pulled back. Miles. then eventually to dinner.?? he said again. and Miss Andrews thinks so. had been a life-saver. and we were all concerned about that. Don??t let her leave yet. I??m sorry. She??d seen them every day at the same time. ??unless you stop making these ridiculous accusations. she motioned for Miles to put aside the videocamera and come play with them. I wouldn??t be surprised. When I asked him why you wanted to meet with me. grinning broadly; Missy and Miles walking down the aisle . .????Join the club. okay??? he said in a voice that brooked no disagreement.?? he murmured. Her parents were supportive in their own way??her father said nothing whatsoever about it; her mother clipped out magazine articles that touted the latest medical developments??but her brother. It wasn??t his words that gave it away. but I??ll make a deal with you. shopping. a week before the crowds arrived in full force. Miles turned to face her and again felt pleasant surprise.??They didn??t evenhave soccer when I was a kid. the highway patrol interviewed everyone in the area; they searched for any evidence that might provide a lead. you wouldn??t have been able to play soccer. and though she was sympathetic. he shifted from one foot to the other. I don??t repeat everything Ido know. He looked more serious than any seven-year-old should.????I will. and she??d had to scale down the plans a bit and incorporate more remedial work. His report cards said he was doing fine. .????And I hope you have a good time. Though he couldn??t make out the features. and it made him feel new as well. Sarah didn??t think she??d ever known someone like that in Baltimore. Hayes had always let him draw.?? Her mother leaned closer. . three of the four students in the front of the class had colds and spent the day coughing and sneezing in her direction when they weren??t acting up.??He??s been married for fifty years. ??But. but the children??s names on the roll sheet confirmed he was where he was supposed to be. Miles grew them. he thought to himself. . ????You worked in the inner city. and a teammate added one. he slid forward on the seat and flicked a switch on the radio. He??s also polite and extremely well spoken for his age. She was undressing. making sure he believed them. It seemed more as if she had taken a weekend trip with a friend and had left him in charge of Jonah while she was away. obviously frightened. Jonah was only five at the time. She smiled. As soon as he entered the building.?? he started. she??d always assumed she would have the kind of life she wanted: marriage. was situated on the banks of the Neuse and Trent Rivers in eastern North Carolina. and Miles was looking for Jonah??s when he heard a voice behind him. breaking into a grin. a southern hero who??d signed the Declaration of Independence.??Because.If he needed to. of course. How??s the fan working out? . . he heard Jonah rustling in his room.????How was that???Sarah unwrapped her sandwich. It??s always a little intimidating when you??re new. a small hamlet twelve miles to the south. ??Uh-huh. God knows he??d tried. and after a moment. it was nearly fiveA . then.of course.?? they finally said. he had a few cigarettes during the course of the day. he knew that he and Otis weren??t finished with one another yet.??They didn??t evenhave soccer when I was a kid. . will you? If I let you go. ??You know she starts going through withdrawals if you don??t bring Jonah by every now and then. Even after their problems arose.

 It??s always a little intimidating when you??re new
 It??s always a little intimidating when you??re new. attending the theater. . it seemed funny. He had learned of it when he??d been taken to the scene of the accident. .??Hey. down the street from where the crowds were still congregated. Prison time. wasn??t possible without an emotional bond.?? She looked at him quizzically. Officer Ryan? You look like you??re trying to save the world.?? Sarah said. He loved being a husband. he??d be caught up in no time.????Oh. a home in a neighborhood where families gathered in the yards on Friday evenings after work was finished for the week.??Miles raised his eyebrows. . Sarah nodded.

 a teetering wood structure blanketed in kudzu on the outskirts of New Bern. How??d it go in school today?????Good.?? she said quietly. ??I can understand that. .?? She paused. poking through bushes. headed down the hall. and aside from visiting her parents. It??s easy to look at test scores and think the teachers don??t care. I understand. she didn??t realize that her mother had stopped talking and was apparently waiting for her to respond. Jonah??s having trouble withall of the work. He wasn??t the type of sheriff who intimidated people on sight. was that there were no witnesses to the hit-and-run that had taken Missy??s life. Standing in front of the blackboard.??Miles and Otis Timson had a long history between them. stepped out. With the possible exception of fishing.????I think she??s pretty.

 I??d had no choice. Sarah noticed that Jonah wouldn??t let go of her hand. I don??t know what he does these days. she poured her third glass of wine. And he could feel it.?? he said easily. and after finally gathering his courage. she told herself.????Schoolis going okay.????You didn??t see my report cards as a kid. as if trying to collect her thoughts.??I don??t smoke. She was his high school sweetheart. We??ll do that. Even furious wasn??t sufficient. and Missy clenched her jaw. Mark right behind him. ??I just want to talk.??? ? ?Hours later. By the time Jonah had dressed himself and made it to the kitchen.

 she persisted until Sarah relented. I won??t ask anything that might seem too personal. ??That??s okay. but he keeps promising me that he??s going to get serious about it. and for a long time afterwards. Loneliness. she??d immediately pictured a caricature of southern law enforcement: overweight.why?This was the part that continued to nag at Miles. Asmoker couldn??t do that. The pain and anger had been replaced with a kind of apathy. and though he knew what was happening.He held on to other things as well. . okay???Though their eyes widened at the threat. not theirs. do you have any questions about . Miles knew. he wondered what the hell was wrong with him. shehad asked him to take care of the yardwork on Saturday so she wouldn??t have to worry about that as well. With his mind occupied.

 ??Hey. she found it endearing. and Sarah laughed again. the words seemed to fade in and out. but when she was finally ready to head home. . she didn??t need to. Jonah was finishing an ice-cream cone. then???I thought we were talking about what I should wear. In the third quarter.of course. they both nodded gratefully. but spending time with Miles Ryan recently had reminded her that the past couple of years had been lonely ones. and he asked me to come out to watch him play soccer.?? she said quickly. but in the end he??d learned no more than the official investigators. Once he learns something. Sarah .????Tell him that I said he has to.?? ??We??ll see.

?? He bent lower and met his son??s eyes. Sarah continued to teach. I took up walking. and that way I can keep an eye on him.????But I saw the blood. he was sometimes distant and withdrawn. could he imagine himself moving on.??Miles looked at Charlie closely. she??d put it off for a year.?? he said simply. Close your eyes. usingtheir wit and charisma. But earlier that morning. ??What?????He didn??t have a case. . confidence began to fade. I followed blindly and stood near the back as the crowd gathered around the gravesite. hoping she didn??t realize what he??d been thinking earlier and at the same time hoping she did. there were hopes that the blanket would provide some clues to the identity of the driver. though.

 but when she was finally ready to head home. and if there??s a case. a red Nissan Sentra. evaluating the evidence at the scene. But earlier that morning. and with a little extra effort. ??I??m inbig trouble. the sun peeked out from behind a cloud and began slanting through the windows. ??unless you stop making these ridiculous accusations. an acquaintance had called from Baltimore. he??d scored twenty-seven times. as long as he likes it. Maureen trailed after her. I knew that Jonah used to put his head down on his desk and cry sometimes. It??s more like a picture. . this one on the third page. After that. you know? But I can??t really see it all the time. Despite the heat.

 now.????How was that???Sarah unwrapped her sandwich. They??d been friends for years; Charlie had been the one who suggested that Miles become a deputy sheriff. and pushed open the door. You know that. my father took off. they just weren??t comfortable expressing emotion.????Okay. Some people could do that. The reason was in his bedroom. Miles had been trying to lower the speed limit for years.It was then that Sarah learned her ovaries were incapable of producing eggs.Miles looked across the table. Two people had seen her running along Madame Moore??s Lane a few minutes after she started; each of them had been interviewed later by the highway patrol. more rugged way. neither of them said anything. Sarah Andrews. a couple of pages where the assignment had been to write a paragraph (Jonah had managed a few. huh?????Yes. the fisherman waved.

?? she said quietly. but instead she simply began sorting through the mail. outlining what was known for sure and laying out the facts in a simple and straightforward way: On a warm summer evening in 1986.?? ??Yeah.?? Sarah marveled. the kind sold in a standard package with other assorted items at nearly every auto supply or department store across the country. . goalkeepers weren??t allowed. had made their fortune in banking and were immensely wealthy and clannish.He??d said something to her. ??No. pants hanging too low.??The note in your backpack??the one your teacher wanted me to read.?? she said. You read with him. Even furious wasn??t sufficient. but if I ever catch you out here again. Your father would have them tarred and feathered.????Then you won??t go after that owl again. Most likely he checked the clock every few minutes after Missy was supposed to be home.

 one sandwiched between his legs. but . ??What would you like to know?????Well.In the hazy humid air.?? Miles repeated.????No.????Huh?????Never mind. pulling up the covers. I thought you might be out with someone. One night. except when Michael asked her to sign a prenuptial agreement. Though yellowed and wrinkled. Before I sent the note home. What he really needed was some quiet time at a little beachfront cottage down in Key West. and he confided in her his dreams of entering politics one day. Jonah played no more than half a game.?? Miles took a drink. ??What kind of deal?????I??ll work with Jonah after school the other three days a week if you promise to do the same on the two days you??re off. Her mother barely understood why people drank at all. Miles found himself staring at her.

 The soft flannel material scrunched back and forth in a seamless rhythm. . The things some women wear these days . But after spending a week with him. The smoke from Miles??s cigarette swirled upward and he could feel the humidity rising. he didn??t look forty. too. when she suggested again that they could always adopt. but then Brenda thinks everyone is great. but she knew that people for the most part both liked and respected him and that more than anything. If someone tells me to keep something to myself. He wasn??t what she??d expected. As much as he tried to move on. It wasn??t right; it seemed out of sync with the natural order of the world. She didn??t say anything at all. dropped off a pitcher of sweet tea and two glasses of ice on her way to the next table. Jonah??s teachers had a responsibility to teach him.The next twelve months were a blur.????Okay. tired.

 and finally put him to bed. ??That??s okay. Is that all right???Another month. or rather Sarah talked. a southern hero who??d signed the Declaration of Independence. . Even though she knew the wine wouldn??t help.??As he spoke. Charlie. I know. you looking forward to meeting with Sarah today??? Miles looked up.??Miles considered that for a long moment. . cleaning. He??d seen the look a few times in the years they??d been married.Miles looked across the table. Someone on the other team chased after it.. . you can??t ask for more than that.

 having never met him. and boom! There was the memory again. He??d helped send scores of people to prison. Something in the wording of her letter had left him with the feeling that it was a little more serious than the typical parent-teacher conference. son. five of his six sons had spent time in prison as well on offenses ranging from drug dealing to assault to car theft. .??I love you. ??You don??t think there??s a serious problem. an elderly woman who sat in a chair beneath a large umbrella. It was still a struggle at times.????Schoolis going okay. ??I??m Sarah Andrews.?? he mumbled. and Miles showed up at the Timson compound??a series of decrepit mobile homes arranged in a semicircle on the outskirts of town??with three other deputies. Miles couldn??t stand that. .????Brenda likes everyone. so she could watch Jonah. toward finally coming to terms with his loss.

 . ??You did?????Yeah. When she put her glass down. Along the far wall were a few short compositions. Still.He sighed. it almost seemed as if they??d never been married at all. And try to remember all this if you and Miles ever get close. then nodded in the direction of the nearest homes. He stared wistfully at his departing friends.These tapes were precious to Miles. not her family??knew that. After a year. Brenda. Jonah??s eyes were heavy. In the last few years.Driven by compulsion. Now get some sleep. trying and failing to hide the smirk on her face. and he meant it.

 but it was the best thing for Jonah. I wasn??t much of an athlete. son. making sure she had everything she needed. if it hadn??t been for the raging headache that even aspirin couldn??t ease. for lack of a better word. just as he caught a glimpse of Missy at the last second.?? Sarah said. he hadn??t been grounded. he found himself thinking about them again. secretly jumped for joy when Jonah scored. Jonah still looked as if he were in his own little world. . looking forward to seeing Jonah. ??Well. . Jonah still looked as if he were in his own little world. You ready to get started?????I guess so. A lady sat beside me. knowing he??d reached the limit of his father??s patience.

 after she and Miles had said good-bye. sitting on top of his chest of drawers and on the bedstand. Miles tucked Jonah??s shirt back in.Or killed to get back at Miles Ryan?He was a sheriff; he??d made enemies.??You mean working at the school? It??s different from the classes I had in Baltimore.?? Brenda said. but he wasn??t wired that way and never had been. the two boys raced through the playground. he knew that Missy would have wanted him to marry again. We haven??t even gone out yet. ??I hope everything??s all right. .The marriage was over.?? he said. then. Mommy. ??So I??ve realized. New Bern. . but she couldn??t help it.

 The draping veils of Spanish moss only added to the feeling that this part of the world hadn??t changed in the last thousand years. Miles tucked Jonah??s shirt back in. And though the feelings of guilt and betrayal were still there. They were divorced. waiting to emerge and humiliate him. because I can??t guarantee it. stating that a reward had been offered by the town council for any information on the case; and with that. . But don??t make any special plans.Sarah opened her can of Diet Pepsi. Miles suppressed a grin. And besides. he should have kept quiet. writing.??Why didn??t you tell me you were having trouble???It took a long time for Jonah to answer. Miles could see him swerving from side to side as he made his way down the road.????Why???Believe me. We just lost track of time. too.????I think you were imagining things.

 how was school???Jonah pulled back. ??Thanks again.Miles found himself thinking about Sarah Andrews once more. .? ? ?The fan?After she pulled out of the parking lot. Why. As a homeowner in one of the communities just off the lane. He popped some waffles into the toaster and poured another cup of coffee for himself. I don??t want to hold him back this year.????Does that happen a lot?????More than you can imagine. the blankets pulled back. Miles. then eventually to dinner.?? he said again. and Miss Andrews thinks so. had been a life-saver. and we were all concerned about that. Don??t let her leave yet. I??m sorry. She??d seen them every day at the same time.

 ??unless you stop making these ridiculous accusations. she motioned for Miles to put aside the videocamera and come play with them. I wouldn??t be surprised. When I asked him why you wanted to meet with me. grinning broadly; Missy and Miles walking down the aisle . .????Join the club. okay??? he said in a voice that brooked no disagreement.?? he murmured. Her parents were supportive in their own way??her father said nothing whatsoever about it; her mother clipped out magazine articles that touted the latest medical developments??but her brother. It wasn??t his words that gave it away. but I??ll make a deal with you. shopping. a week before the crowds arrived in full force. Miles turned to face her and again felt pleasant surprise.??They didn??t evenhave soccer when I was a kid. the highway patrol interviewed everyone in the area; they searched for any evidence that might provide a lead. you wouldn??t have been able to play soccer. and though she was sympathetic. he shifted from one foot to the other.

 I don??t repeat everything Ido know. He looked more serious than any seven-year-old should.????I will. and she??d had to scale down the plans a bit and incorporate more remedial work. His report cards said he was doing fine. .????And I hope you have a good time. Though he couldn??t make out the features. and it made him feel new as well. Sarah didn??t think she??d ever known someone like that in Baltimore. Hayes had always let him draw.?? Her mother leaned closer. . three of the four students in the front of the class had colds and spent the day coughing and sneezing in her direction when they weren??t acting up.??He??s been married for fifty years. ??But. but the children??s names on the roll sheet confirmed he was where he was supposed to be. Miles grew them. he thought to himself. .

????You worked in the inner city. and a teammate added one. he slid forward on the seat and flicked a switch on the radio. He??s also polite and extremely well spoken for his age. She was undressing. making sure he believed them. It seemed more as if she had taken a weekend trip with a friend and had left him in charge of Jonah while she was away. obviously frightened. Jonah was only five at the time. She smiled. As soon as he entered the building.?? he started. she??d always assumed she would have the kind of life she wanted: marriage. was situated on the banks of the Neuse and Trent Rivers in eastern North Carolina. and Miles was looking for Jonah??s when he heard a voice behind him. breaking into a grin. a southern hero who??d signed the Declaration of Independence.??Because.If he needed to. of course.

How??s the fan working out? . . he heard Jonah rustling in his room.????How was that???Sarah unwrapped her sandwich. It??s always a little intimidating when you??re new. a small hamlet twelve miles to the south. ??Uh-huh. God knows he??d tried. and after a moment. it was nearly fiveA . then.of course.?? they finally said. he had a few cigarettes during the course of the day. he knew that he and Otis weren??t finished with one another yet.??They didn??t evenhave soccer when I was a kid. . will you? If I let you go. ??You know she starts going through withdrawals if you don??t bring Jonah by every now and then. Even after their problems arose.