Twenty-One
DAN AND BRIAN PART to let us pass down the steps. As we’re walking to the car, Brian calls, “Straight to the station, Helen. I’d hate to file a complaint for misconduct with the chief.”
Helen stops in mid-stride. Her grip tightens around my arm and she starts to turn around. “Helen,” I whisper. “Don’t.” Her grip loosens and we continue to her car.
I start trying to talk. Obviously, my mind at this point is a mix of jumbled thoughts and emotions.
Before I can say anything, she hisses, “Not a word, not until we get in the car.”
Once we're inside her car and on our way, I finally say, “Helen, I swear, that Rosary—”
“Tom, listen to me,” she says, holding up her hand to stop me talking. “We have very little time here. Whatever you do, keep your mouth shut and do as you're told.
