Chapter 4 - THE MAN IN MAINE
Emily never learned the old man’s real name.
At least not from him.
He called himself Patrick Hale.
My father’s name had been Patrick Riley.
Subtlety apparently was not hereditary.
“Why didn't you tell me immediately?”
“Because I didn't know whether he was really your father.”
“But you suspected.”
“Yes.”
“What convinced you?”
“He knew things.”
“What things?”
Emily hesitated.
“The lullaby your mother used to sing.”
That could be learned.
“He knew Leo broke his front tooth falling off the back wall when he was nine.”
Harder.
“He knew you were afraid of thunderstorms until you were thirteen.”
I stared.
Nobody knew that.
Not even Marcus.
At least I did not think so.
Emily continued.
The man did not ask to meet Lily.
Did not touch her.
He provided a phone number for emergencies and enough money to relocate if necessary.
Emily refused the money.
Accepted the number.
“Why return to Boston?”
“My mother got sick.”
“Why return to this house?”
Her answer surprised me.
“Because he told me Marcus still worked for you.”
That sounded backward.
“If Marcus threatened you, why come closer?”
“To watch him.”
Emily had not returned as part of some elaborate spy operation.
She needed work.
The mansion had openings.
Her mother had once worked for my family.
But the old man had told her one thing:
If Marcus reacts to the coin, Damon is finally asking the right question.
I thought about the birthday.
Marcus leaving.
Then my phone rang.
Marcus.
I stared at the screen.
Emily said:
“Answer.”
I did.
“Where are you?” he asked.
“Why?”
“You disappeared after the party.”
“My house.”
Pause.
“Emily with you?”
I looked at her.
“Yes.”
Longer pause.
Then:
“Damon, whatever she told you, don't make decisions tonight.”
“Why?”
“Because grief makes men believe impossible things.”
Interesting.
I had not mentioned my father.
Marcus continued:
“That coin isn't what you think.”
“What do I think it is?”
Silence.
He had walked straight into the question.
Then he said:
“I’m coming over.”
I ended the call.
Emily looked at me.
“He knows.”
“Yes.”
“What now?”
I thought about twenty years of trusting Marcus Bell to stand on my right side.
May you like
Then about three years of believing he avenged Leo with me.
“Now,” I said, “we find out what exactly he's afraid I’ll remember.”
