I smiled genially at him. “I’d like a walk about town,” I said. “If you’ll just step aside.”
The boy gaped at me. “But… Pat…” he looked behind him, as though Patrick might appear over his shoulder. “I’m sorry, miss. You gotta stay in there. Boss’s orders.” He straightened as he spoke, galvanized. “I ain’t lettin’ you pass.” He was steadfast, juvenility notwithstanding.
But I had an advantage now that I’d not been allowed these past seven years, and it surely counted for something. “Do you know me, Sam? Did Patrick give you my name?”
Sam jutted his chin, staring me down. “He tells me lots of things,” he said proudly. “He’s trustin’ me to keep you safe.”
I smiled. “He must see great potential in you.”
I saw the twinkle in his eyes, the eagerness. “He says you’re the earth Charmer,” Sam
