Page 73 of Special Agent Murphy

“I tried talkin’ him out of his crazy ideas to git you. He got mad and beat me, got drunk and passed out. That’s when I stole the phone away from him. When he woke up and decided to hit the 7-Eleven, I called 911 and set him up. The police were happy to git him off the streets. That’s what they told me.”

“You did a good thing. But there’s one huge problem.”

The boy’s chin dropped to his chest like a beaten puppy might do after getting chastised. “I’m in trouble ‘cause I’m bad.”

“On the contrary. You’re a good kid. My problem is, I don’t know your name. I could call you what’s-his-name, but it seems kind of disrespectful after you saved me from a man who terrified you.”

“You ain’t mad?”

“Nope. I’m grateful. And, if you want to hang out with me for a while until we can get you settled, I’d be honored to have you.”

That did it! Now his eyes filled and overflowed. Shyly, he looked at her and then down again. “You have a-a nice voice, so ahh… so nice. I dreamed of your voice.”

Touched beyond measure, Kayti went to sit on the floor next to the kid. At first, she leaned against him, her arm close to his, waiting until he’d gained control. “Don’t cry, pal. You and I are going to be good friends.”

“I hate crying. I do it a lot. My pa says it’s ‘cause I’m a puny sissy.”

After hearing those words, Kayti couldn’t stop herself. She wrapped her arm around him, ignoring his stiffness. “You’re no sissy pal, just too full of sadness to keep it all inside.” Not caring that she was repeating her promise it slipped out again. “You and I are going to be good friends. But I do need to call you something.”

“My dad mostly called me little asshole.” A shudder rippled through his slight body. “My real name is Marcel. I don’t like it.”

“Fine, how about we change it to Mark?” He thought for a few seconds while she waited patiently.

“I like that, it sounds like a name for a strong dude. Mark. Yeah.” Very slightly, she felt him yield and lean into her. “I know your name is Katherine Edwards and you’re an FBI agent.”

“Uh huh. But my friends call me Kayti.”

“Can I call you Kayti?”

She felt him draw in a breath and hold it.He’s terrified to be repulsed. It’s probably all he’s ever known.“I’d like that, Mark.”

He sighed his relief, and she reached out her hand, not in the normal way one would shake another’s hand, but as a pal sealing a deal.

Still hesitating, Mark reached out and very slowly let her wrap her fingers around his. She grasped his hand firmly, and then shook as if making a deal. “I’ll be good to you, my friend, as long as you remain trustworthy. I expect you to treat me the same, and one day, I’ll be dancing at your wedding.”

She heard him chuckle, and it made her happy. But what made her heart sing was the tightening of his fingers clinging to hers. It made her wonder if it was the first time in his life where someone had treated him gently.

Suddenly, the doorbell rang. She had to get up to answer it. With a last squeeze of his hand, she rose and did so. First, she checked the peephole and then stood back after swinging the door open.

“Hey, Mr. Baldwin. What’s up?”

“I just wanted to warn you about a black kid hanging around here lately. I caught him inside the building, near your door. When I asked him what he wanted, he said he had business with you. I figured more’n likely monkey business. I shooed him away. I hope that’s okay.”

“Actually, Mark came a long way, but he’s here with me now. He’s a very good friend, Mr. Baldwin. I’m happy to have him visit. Fact is, he’ll be around for a while.”

“Oh, man, I’m sorry, Agent Edwards. I guess I took it for granted he was up to no good by his appearance. Kid looks disreputable, you know what I mean?”

“As I said, it’s been a long journey for him, leaving behind his old life for a new one. We’ll get him fixed up in no time. Thanks for your courtesy and checking with me. Merry Christmas, Mr. Baldwin.”

“Merry Christmas to you too, Agent Edwards.”

Kayti thought about her words to the building manager and knew them to be true. “You can come out, Mark. Don’t worry about Mr. Baldwin. I cleared you with him. What we need to do now is get you cleaned up and fed. How about you go in and take a shower while I get some breakfast ready. All I can do is eggs and toast. That work for you?”

When Mark came close to her, but didn’t answer, she knew something was up.

“Tell me.”

“I have no other clothes.”

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