SSimonsatonabenchinCentralPark—inStrawberryFields, tobemoreprecise—andfelthisheartshatter.Noone couldtell,ofcourse,atleastnotatfirst,notuntilthe punchesstartedflyingandtwotouristsfromFinlandofallplaces startedscreamingwhilenineotherparkvisitorsfromawidevarietyofcountriescaughtthewholehorribleincidentonsmartphonevideo.
imonsatonabenchinCentralPark—inStrawberryFields, tobemoreprecise—andfelthisheartshatter.Noone couldtell,ofcourse,atleastnotatfirst,notuntilthe punchesstartedflyingandtwotouristsfromFinlandofallplaces startedscreamingwhilenineotherparkvisitorsfromawidevarietyofcountriescaughtthewholehorribleincidentonsmartphonevideo.
Butthatwasstillanhouraway.
Butthatwasstillanhouraway.
TherewerenostrawberriesinStrawberryFieldsandyou’dbe hard-pressedtocallthetwo-and-a-half-acrelandscapedgrounds afield(singular),letalonemorethanone,butthenamewasderivednotfromanythingliteralbutfromtheeponymousBeatles track.StrawberryFieldsisatriangular-shapedareaoffSeventySecondStreetandCentralParkWestdedicatedtothememory ofJohnLennon,whowasshotandkilledacrossthestreet.The centerpieceofthismemorialisaroundmosaicofinlaidstones withasimplecaptioninthemiddle:
TherewerenostrawberriesinStrawberryFieldsandyou’dbe hard-pressedtocallthetwo-and-a-half-acrelandscapedgrounds afield(singular),letalonemorethanone,butthenamewasderivednotfromanythingliteralbutfromtheeponymousBeatles track.StrawberryFieldsisatriangular-shapedareaoffSeventySecondStreetandCentralParkWestdedicatedtothememory ofJohnLennon,whowasshotandkilledacrossthestreet.The centerpieceofthismemorialisaroundmosaicofinlaidstones withasimplecaptioninthemiddle:
mother,Ingrid,wouldinevitablysighandmutter,“Boys,”under herbreath.
mother,Ingrid,wouldinevitablysighandmutter,“Boys,”under herbreath.
ButPaige,theirfirstborn,hadbeenquieter,eventhen.She wouldsitonabenchwithacoloringbookandintactcrayons— shedidn’tlikeitwhenacrayonbrokeorthewrappercameoff— andalways,inanironicmetaphor,stayedwithinthelines.As shegrewolder—fifteen,sixteen,seventeen—Paigewouldsitona bench,justasSimonwasdoingnow,andwritestoriesandsong lyricsinanotebookherfatherhadboughtheratthePapyrus onColumbusAvenue.ButPaigewouldn’tsitonjustanybench. SomethinglikefourthousandCentralParkbencheshadbeen “adopted”viabig-moneydonations.Personalizedplaqueswereinstalledonthebenches,mostofthemsimplememorialslikethe oneSimonnowsaton,whichread:
ButPaige,theirfirstborn,hadbeenquieter,eventhen.She wouldsitonabenchwithacoloringbookandintactcrayons— shedidn’tlikeitwhenacrayonbrokeorthewrappercameoff— andalways,inanironicmetaphor,stayedwithinthelines.As shegrewolder—fifteen,sixteen,seventeen—Paigewouldsitona bench,justasSimonwasdoingnow,andwritestoriesandsong lyricsinanotebookherfatherhadboughtheratthePapyrus onColumbusAvenue.ButPaigewouldn’tsitonjustanybench. SomethinglikefourthousandCentralParkbencheshadbeen “adopted”viabig-moneydonations.Personalizedplaqueswereinstalledonthebenches,mostofthemsimplememorialslikethe oneSimonnowsaton,whichread:
Others,theonesPaigegravitatedtoward,toldlittlestories:
Others,theonesPaigegravitatedtoward,toldlittlestories:
ForC&B—whosurvivedtheHolocaustandbeganalifein thiscity...
ForC&B—whosurvivedtheHolocaustandbeganalifein thiscity...
TomysweetieAnne—Iloveyou,Iadoreyou,Icherishyou. Willyoumarryme?...
TomysweetieAnne—Iloveyou,Iadoreyou,Icherishyou. Willyoumarryme?...
Thisspotiswhereourlovestorybegan onApril12,1942...
Thisspotiswhereourlovestorybegan onApril12,1942...
ThebenchthatPaigemostpreferred,theoneshe’dsitonfor hoursonendwithherlatestnotebook—andmaybethiswasan earlyindicator?—memorializedamysterioustragedy:
ThebenchthatPaigemostpreferred,theoneshe’dsitonfor hoursonendwithherlatestnotebook—andmaybethiswasan earlyindicator?—memorializedamysterioustragedy:
ThebeautifulMeryl,age19.Youdeservedsomuchbetter &diedsoyoung.Iwould’vedoneanythingtosaveyou.
ThebeautifulMeryl,age19.Youdeservedsomuchbetter &diedsoyoung.Iwould’vedoneanythingtosaveyou.
Paigewouldmovefrombenchtobench,readtheinscriptions, findonetouseasastoryprompt.Simon,inanattempttobond, triedtodothattoo,buthedidn’thavehisdaughter’simagination.Still,hesatwithhisnewspaperorfiddledwithhisphone, checkingthemarketsorreadingthebusinessnews,asPaige’spen movedinaflurry.
Paigewouldmovefrombenchtobench,readtheinscriptions, findonetouseasastoryprompt.Simon,inanattempttobond, triedtodothattoo,buthedidn’thavehisdaughter’simagination.Still,hesatwithhisnewspaperorfiddledwithhisphone, checkingthemarketsorreadingthebusinessnews,asPaige’spen movedinaflurry.
Whathappenedtothoseoldnotebooks?Wherewerethey now?
Whathappenedtothoseoldnotebooks?Wherewerethey now?
Simonhadnoidea.
Simonhadnoidea.
“PennyLane”mercifullycametoanend,andthesinger/panhandlerseguedrightinto“AllYouNeedIsLove.”Ayoungcouple satonthebenchnexttoSimon.Theyoungmanstage-whispered, “CanIgivehermoneytoshutup?”towhichhisfemalecompanionsnickered,“It’slikeJohnLennonisbeingkilledallover again.”Afewpeopledroppedsomecoinsintothewoman’sguitar case,butmostpeoplestayedclearorbackedawaymakingaface thatindicatedtheyhadgottenawhiffofsomethingofwhichthey wantednopart.
“PennyLane”mercifullycametoanend,andthesinger/panhandlerseguedrightinto“AllYouNeedIsLove.”Ayoungcouple satonthebenchnexttoSimon.Theyoungmanstage-whispered, “CanIgivehermoneytoshutup?”towhichhisfemalecompanionsnickered,“It’slikeJohnLennonisbeingkilledallover again.”Afewpeopledroppedsomecoinsintothewoman’sguitar case,butmostpeoplestayedclearorbackedawaymakingaface thatindicatedtheyhadgottenawhiffofsomethingofwhichthey wantednopart.
ButSimonlistenedandlistenedhard,hopingtofindsome semblanceofbeautyinthemelody,inthesong,inthelyrics, intheperformance.Hebarelynoticedthetouristsortheirtour guidesorthemanwhoworenoshirt(butshould)sellingwater bottlesforadollarortheskinnyguywiththesoulpatchwhotold ajokeforadollar(“Special:6Jokesfor$5!”)ortheoldAsian womanburningincensetohonorJohnLennoninsomevagueway orthejoggers,thedogwalkers,thesunbathers.
ButSimonlistenedandlistenedhard,hopingtofindsome semblanceofbeautyinthemelody,inthesong,inthelyrics, intheperformance.Hebarelynoticedthetouristsortheirtour guidesorthemanwhoworenoshirt(butshould)sellingwater bottlesforadollarortheskinnyguywiththesoulpatchwhotold ajokeforadollar(“Special:6Jokesfor$5!”)ortheoldAsian womanburningincensetohonorJohnLennoninsomevagueway orthejoggers,thedogwalkers,thesunbathers.
Buttherewasnobeautyinthemusic.None.
Buttherewasnobeautyinthemusic.None.
Simon’seyesstayedlockedonthepanhandlinggirlmangling JohnLennon’slegacy.Herhairwasmattedclumps.Hercheekbonesweresunken.Thegirlwasrail-thin,raggedy,dirty,damaged, homeless,lost.
Simon’seyesstayedlockedonthepanhandlinggirlmangling JohnLennon’slegacy.Herhairwasmattedclumps.Hercheekbonesweresunken.Thegirlwasrail-thin,raggedy,dirty,damaged, homeless,lost.
ShewasalsoSimon’sdaughterPaige.
ShewasalsoSimon’sdaughterPaige.
SimonhadnotseenPaigeinsixmonths—notsinceshehaddone theinexcusable.
SimonhadnotseenPaigeinsixmonths—notsinceshehaddone theinexcusable.
IthadbeenthefinalbreakforIngrid.
IthadbeenthefinalbreakforIngrid.
“Youleaveherbethistime,”IngridhadtoldhimafterPaige ranout.
“Youleaveherbethistime,”IngridhadtoldhimafterPaige ranout.
“Meaning?”
“Meaning?”
AndthenIngrid,awonderfulmother,acaringpediatrician whodedicatedherlifetohelpingchildreninneed,said,“Idon’t wantherbackinthishouse.”
AndthenIngrid,awonderfulmother,acaringpediatrician whodedicatedherlifetohelpingchildreninneed,said,“Idon’t wantherbackinthishouse.”
“Youdon’tmeanthat.”
“Youdon’tmeanthat.”
“Ido,Simon.Godhelpme,Ido.”
“Ido,Simon.Godhelpme,Ido.”
Formonths,withoutIngrid’sknowledge,he’dsearchedfor Paige.Sometimeshisattemptswerewellorganized,likewhen hehiredtheprivateinvestigator.Moreoften,hiseffortswere hit-and-miss,haphazard,consistingofwalkingthroughdangerous drug-infestedareas,flashingherphotographtothestonedandunsavory.
Formonths,withoutIngrid’sknowledge,he’dsearchedfor Paige.Sometimeshisattemptswerewellorganized,likewhen hehiredtheprivateinvestigator.Moreoften,hiseffortswere hit-and-miss,haphazard,consistingofwalkingthroughdangerous drug-infestedareas,flashingherphotographtothestonedandunsavory.
He’dcomeupwithnothing.
He’dcomeupwithnothing.
SimonhadwonderedwhetherPaige,whohadrecentlycelebratedherbirthday(how,Simonwondered—aparty,acake, drugs?Didsheevenknowwhatdayitwas?),hadleftManhattan andgonebacktothatcollegetownwhereitallbegantogowrong. Ontwoseparateweekends,whenIngridwasonshiftatthehospitalandthuswouldn’tbeabletoasktoomanyquestions,Simon haddrivenupandstayedattheCraftboroInnnexttothecampus.Hewalkedthequad,rememberinghowenthusiasticallyall fiveofthem—Simon,Ingrid,incomingfreshmanPaige,Sam,and Anya—hadarrivedandhelpedsettlePaigein,howheandIngrid hadbeensocockeyedoptimisticthatthisplacewouldbeagreat fit,allthiswide-opengreenspaceandwoodlandforthedaughter whohadgrownupinManhattan,andhow,ofcourse,thatoptimismwitheredanddied.
SimonhadwonderedwhetherPaige,whohadrecentlycelebratedherbirthday(how,Simonwondered—aparty,acake, drugs?Didsheevenknowwhatdayitwas?),hadleftManhattan andgonebacktothatcollegetownwhereitallbegantogowrong. Ontwoseparateweekends,whenIngridwasonshiftatthehospitalandthuswouldn’tbeabletoasktoomanyquestions,Simon haddrivenupandstayedattheCraftboroInnnexttothecampus.Hewalkedthequad,rememberinghowenthusiasticallyall fiveofthem—Simon,Ingrid,incomingfreshmanPaige,Sam,and Anya—hadarrivedandhelpedsettlePaigein,howheandIngrid hadbeensocockeyedoptimisticthatthisplacewouldbeagreat fit,allthiswide-opengreenspaceandwoodlandforthedaughter whohadgrownupinManhattan,andhow,ofcourse,thatoptimismwitheredanddied.
PartofSimon—aparthecouldnevergivevoicetoorevenadmitexisted—hadwantedtogiveuponfindingher.Lifehad,if
PartofSimon—aparthecouldnevergivevoicetoorevenadmitexisted—hadwantedtogiveuponfindingher.Lifehad,if
didn’twanttodealwiththatparticularfallout.Insteadhestarted hangingaroundStrawberryFieldsinhissparetime. HeneversawPaige.
didn’twanttodealwiththatparticularfallout.Insteadhestarted hangingaroundStrawberryFieldsinhissparetime.
HeneversawPaige.
Heaskedafewofthevagrantswhoplayediftheyrecognized her,showingaphotooffhisphonerightbeforehetossedacouple ofbillsintotheirguitarcase.Afewsaidyesandwouldoffermore detailsifSimonmadethatcontributiontothecausesomewhat moresubstantial.Hedidsoandgotnothinginreturn.Themajorityadmittedthattheydidn’trecognizeher,butnow,seeingPaige intheflesh,Simonunderstoodwhy.Therewasalmostnophysical overlapbetweenhisonce-lovelydaughterandthisstrung-outbag ofbones.
Heaskedafewofthevagrantswhoplayediftheyrecognized her,showingaphotooffhisphonerightbeforehetossedacouple ofbillsintotheirguitarcase.Afewsaidyesandwouldoffermore detailsifSimonmadethatcontributiontothecausesomewhat moresubstantial.Hedidsoandgotnothinginreturn.Themajorityadmittedthattheydidn’trecognizeher,butnow,seeingPaige intheflesh,Simonunderstoodwhy.Therewasalmostnophysical overlapbetweenhisonce-lovelydaughterandthisstrung-outbag ofbones.
ButasSimonsatinStrawberryFields—usuallyinfrontofan almost-humorouslyignoredsignthatread:
ButasSimonsatinStrawberryFields—usuallyinfrontofan almost-humorouslyignoredsignthatread:
aquietzone—noamplifiedsound ormusicalinstruments
aquietzone—noamplifiedsound ormusicalinstruments
—hehadnoticedsomethingodd.Themusicians,allofwhom leanedheavilyonthegrungy-transient-squalidside,neverplayed atthesametimeoroveroneanother.Thetransitionsbetweenone streetguitaristandthenextwereremarkablysmooth.Theplayers changedonthehourprettymucheveryhourinanorderlyfashion.
—hehadnoticedsomethingodd.Themusicians,allofwhom leanedheavilyonthegrungy-transient-squalidside,neverplayed atthesametimeoroveroneanother.Thetransitionsbetweenone streetguitaristandthenextwereremarkablysmooth.Theplayers changedonthehourprettymucheveryhourinanorderlyfashion.
Liketherewasaschedule.
Liketherewasaschedule.
IttookSimonfiftydollarstomeetamannamedDave,oneof theseedierstreetmusicianswithahugehelmetofgrayhair,facial hairthathadrubberbandsinit,andabraidedponytailstretchingdownthemiddleofhisback.Dave,wholookedtobeeither abadlyweatheredmidfiftiesoraneasier-livedseventy,explained howitallworked.
IttookSimonfiftydollarstomeetamannamedDave,oneof theseedierstreetmusicianswithahugehelmetofgrayhair,facial hairthathadrubberbandsinit,andabraidedponytailstretchingdownthemiddleofhisback.Dave,wholookedtobeeither abadlyweatheredmidfiftiesoraneasier-livedseventy,explained howitallworked.
“Sointheolddays,aguynamedGarydosSantos...you knowhim?”
“Sointheolddays,aguynamedGarydosSantos...you knowhim?”
“Thenameisfamiliar,”Simonsaid.
“Thenameisfamiliar,”Simonsaid.
“Yeah,ifyouwalkedthroughherebackintheday,boy,you’d rememberhim.Garywastheself-appointedMayorofStrawberry Fields.Bigguy.Spent,what,twentyyearsherekeepingthepeace. Andbykeepingthepeace,Imeanscaringtheshitoutofpeople. Dudewascrazy,youknowwhatI’msaying?”
“Yeah,ifyouwalkedthroughherebackintheday,boy,you’d rememberhim.Garywastheself-appointedMayorofStrawberry Fields.Bigguy.Spent,what,twentyyearsherekeepingthepeace. Andbykeepingthepeace,Imeanscaringtheshitoutofpeople. Dudewascrazy,youknowwhatI’msaying?”
Simonnodded.
Simonnodded.
“Thenin,what,2013,Garydies.Leukemia.Onlyforty-nine. Thisplace”—Davegesturedwithhisfingerlessgloves—“goes crazy.Totalanarchywithoutourfascist.YoureadMachiavelli? Likethat.Musiciansstartgettinginfightseveryday.Territory,you knowwhatI’msaying?”
“Thenin,what,2013,Garydies.Leukemia.Onlyforty-nine. Thisplace”—Davegesturedwithhisfingerlessgloves—“goes crazy.Totalanarchywithoutourfascist.YoureadMachiavelli? Likethat.Musiciansstartgettinginfightseveryday.Territory,you knowwhatI’msaying?”
“Iknowwhatyou’resaying.”
“Iknowwhatyou’resaying.”
“They’dtrytopolicethemselves,butcomeon—halftheseguys canbarelydressthemselves.See,oneassholewouldplaytoolong, thenanotherassholewouldstartplayingoverhim,they’dstart screaming,cursing,eveninfrontofthelittlekids.Sometimes they’dthrowpunches,andthenthecopswouldcome,yougetthe deal,right?”
“They’dtrytopolicethemselves,butcomeon—halftheseguys canbarelydressthemselves.See,oneassholewouldplaytoolong, thenanotherassholewouldstartplayingoverhim,they’dstart screaming,cursing,eveninfrontofthelittlekids.Sometimes they’dthrowpunches,andthenthecopswouldcome,yougetthe deal,right?”
Simonnoddedthathedid.
Simonnoddedthathedid.
“Itwashurtingourimage,nottomentionourwallets.Sowe allcameupwithasolution.”
“Itwashurtingourimage,nottomentionourwallets.Sowe allcameupwithasolution.”
“What’sthat?”
“What’sthat?”
“Aschedule.Anhour-to-hourrotationfromtena.m.to sevenp.m.”
“Aschedule.Anhour-to-hourrotationfromtena.m.to sevenp.m.”
“Forreal?”
“Forreal?”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
“Andthatworks?”
“Andthatworks?”
“Itain’tperfect,butit’sprettyclose.”
“Itain’tperfect,butit’sprettyclose.”
Economicself-interest,thoughtSimonthefinancialanalyst. Oneoflife’sconstants.“Howdoyousignupforaslot?”
Economicself-interest,thoughtSimonthefinancialanalyst. Oneoflife’sconstants.“Howdoyousignupforaslot?”
“Viatext.Wegotfiveregularguys.Theygettheprimetimes. Thenotherpeoplecanfillin.”
“Viatext.Wegotfiveregularguys.Theygettheprimetimes. Thenotherpeoplecanfillin.”
“Andyouruntheschedule?”
“Andyouruntheschedule?”
“Ido.”Davepuffedouthischestinpride.“See,Iknowhowto
“Ido.”Davepuffedouthischestinpride.“See,Iknowhowto
HARLAN COBEN
asshefinished“IAmtheWalrus”withanextended“googoo g’joob,”liftedbotharmsintheair,andshouted,“Thankyou!”to acrowdthatwasnotevenpayingattention,letaloneapplauding.Shescoopedthefewpatheticwrinkledsinglesandcoins upandthenloweredherguitarintothecasewithsurprising care.Thatsimplemove—loweringthatguitarintothecase— hithimhard.SimonhadboughtthatTakamineG-Seriesguitar forherattheSamAshonWestForty-EighthStreetforhersixteenthbirthday.Hetriedtoconjureupthefeelingstogowith thememory—Paige’ssmilewhenshepluckeditoffthewall,the waysheclosedhereyesasshetesteditout,howshethrew herarmsaroundhisneckandshouted,“Thankyou,thankyou, thankyou!”whenhetoldheritwashers.
asshefinished“IAmtheWalrus”withanextended“googoo g’joob,”liftedbotharmsintheair,andshouted,“Thankyou!”to acrowdthatwasnotevenpayingattention,letaloneapplauding.Shescoopedthefewpatheticwrinkledsinglesandcoins upandthenloweredherguitarintothecasewithsurprising care.Thatsimplemove—loweringthatguitarintothecase— hithimhard.SimonhadboughtthatTakamineG-Seriesguitar forherattheSamAshonWestForty-EighthStreetforhersixteenthbirthday.Hetriedtoconjureupthefeelingstogowith thememory—Paige’ssmilewhenshepluckeditoffthewall,the waysheclosedhereyesasshetesteditout,howshethrew herarmsaroundhisneckandshouted,“Thankyou,thankyou, thankyou!”whenhetoldheritwashers.
Butthefeelings,iftheywerereal,wouldn’tcome.
Butthefeelings,iftheywerereal,wouldn’tcome.
Theawfultruth:Simoncouldn’tevenseethelittlegirlanymore.
Theawfultruth:Simoncouldn’tevenseethelittlegirlanymore.
Oh,forthepasthourhehadtried.Hetriedagainnowto lookatherandconjureuptheangelicchildhe’dtakentoswim classesatthe92ndStreetY,theonewhosatonahammock outintheHamptonswhilehereadhertwofullHarryPotter booksoverthethree-dayLaborDayweekend,thelittlegirlwho insistedonwearingherStatue-of-LibertyHalloweencostume completewithgreenfacetwoweeksearly,but—andmaybeit wasadefensemechanism—noneofthoseimageswouldcome tohim.
Oh,forthepasthourhehadtried.Hetriedagainnowto lookatherandconjureuptheangelicchildhe’dtakentoswim classesatthe92ndStreetY,theonewhosatonahammock outintheHamptonswhilehereadhertwofullHarryPotter booksoverthethree-dayLaborDayweekend,thelittlegirlwho insistedonwearingherStatue-of-LibertyHalloweencostume completewithgreenfacetwoweeksearly,but—andmaybeit wasadefensemechanism—noneofthoseimageswouldcome tohim.
Paigestumbledtoastand.
Paigestumbledtoastand.
Timetomakehismove.
Timetomakehismove.
Acrossthemosaic,Simonstoodtoo.Hisheartpoundedhard againsthisribcage.Hecouldfeelaheadachecomingon,likegianthandswerepressinginagainstbothhistemples.Helooked left,thenright.
Acrossthemosaic,Simonstoodtoo.Hisheartpoundedhard againsthisribcage.Hecouldfeelaheadachecomingon,likegianthandswerepressinginagainstbothhistemples.Helooked left,thenright.
Fortheboyfriend.
Fortheboyfriend.
Simoncouldn’tsayexactlyhowitallstartedspiraling,buthe blamedtheboyfriendforthescourgebroughtonhisdaughterand
Simoncouldn’tsayexactlyhowitallstartedspiraling,buthe blamedtheboyfriendforthescourgebroughtonhisdaughterand
byextensionhisentirefamily.Yes,Simonhadreadallabouthow anaddicthastotakeresponsibilityforherownactions,thatit wastheaddict’sfaultandtheaddict’sfaultalone,allofthat.And mostaddicts(andbyextension,theirfamilies)hadataletotell.
byextensionhisentirefamily.Yes,Simonhadreadallabouthow anaddicthastotakeresponsibilityforherownactions,thatit wastheaddict’sfaultandtheaddict’sfaultalone,allofthat.And mostaddicts(andbyextension,theirfamilies)hadataletotell.
Maybetheiraddictionstartedwithpainmedicationafteranoperation.Maybetheytraceditbacktopeerpressureorclaimedthat one-timeexperimentationhadsomehowevolvedintosomething darker.
Maybetheiraddictionstartedwithpainmedicationafteranoperation.Maybetheytraceditbacktopeerpressureorclaimedthat one-timeexperimentationhadsomehowevolvedintosomething darker.
Therewasalwaysanexcuse.
Therewasalwaysanexcuse.
ButinPaige’scase—callitaweaknessofcharacterorbadparentingorwhatever—itallseemedsomewhatsimpler:
ButinPaige’scase—callitaweaknessofcharacterorbadparentingorwhatever—itallseemedsomewhatsimpler:
TherewasPaigebeforeshemetAaron.AndPaigenow.
AaronCorvalwasscum—obvious,unsubtlescum—andwhen youblendedscumandpurity,thepuritywasforeversullied.
Simonnevergottheappeal.Aaronwasthirty-twoyearsold, elevenyearsolderthanhisdaughter.Inamoreinnocenttime,this agedifferencehadconcernedSimon.Ingridhadshruggeditoff, butshewasusedtosuchthingsfromhermodelingdays.Now,of course,theagedifferencewastheleastofit.
TherewasPaigebeforeshemetAaron.AndPaigenow. AaronCorvalwasscum—obvious,unsubtlescum—andwhen youblendedscumandpurity,thepuritywasforeversullied. Simonnevergottheappeal.Aaronwasthirty-twoyearsold, elevenyearsolderthanhisdaughter.Inamoreinnocenttime,this agedifferencehadconcernedSimon.Ingridhadshruggeditoff, butshewasusedtosuchthingsfromhermodelingdays.Now,of course,theagedifferencewastheleastofit.
TherewasnosignofAaron.
TherewasnosignofAaron.
Asmallbirdofhopetookflight.CouldAaronfinallybeout ofthepicture?Couldthismalignancy,thiscancer,thisparasite whofedoffhisdaughterhavefinishedhisfeastandmovedonto amorerobusthost?
Asmallbirdofhopetookflight.CouldAaronfinallybeout ofthepicture?Couldthismalignancy,thiscancer,thisparasite whofedoffhisdaughterhavefinishedhisfeastandmovedonto amorerobusthost?
Thatwouldbegood,noquestionaboutit.
Thatwouldbegood,noquestionaboutit.
Paigestartedeasttowardthepathacrossthepark,hergaita zombie-likeshuffle.Simonstartedtomakehismove.
Paigestartedeasttowardthepathacrossthepark,hergaita zombie-likeshuffle.Simonstartedtomakehismove.
What,hewondered,wouldhedoifsherefusedtogowith him?Thatwasnotonlyapossibilitybutalikelihood.Simon hadtriedtogetherhelpinthepast,andithadbackfired.He couldn’tforceher.Heknewthat.He’devenhadRobertPrevidi, hisbrother-in-law,trytogetacourtordertohavehercommitted. Thathadn’tworkedeither.
What,hewondered,wouldhedoifsherefusedtogowith him?Thatwasnotonlyapossibilitybutalikelihood.Simon hadtriedtogetherhelpinthepast,andithadbackfired.He couldn’tforceher.Heknewthat.He’devenhadRobertPrevidi, hisbrother-in-law,trytogetacourtordertohavehercommitted. Thathadn’tworkedeither.
Simoncameupbehindhernow.Herwornsundresshungtoo
Simoncameupbehindhernow.Herwornsundresshungtoo
andwiththestressoflosinghisdaughter—thatwashowhe lookedatit,aslosingher—hehadbecomeobsessedwithvarious cardio-boxingclassesduringhislunchhour.
andwiththestressoflosinghisdaughter—thatwashowhe lookedatit,aslosingher—hehadbecomeobsessedwithvarious cardio-boxingclassesduringhislunchhour.
Heleaptforwardandcaughtuptoherprettyquickly.He grabbedPaigebythereedlikeupperarm—hecouldhavecircled theflimsybicepwithhisindexfingerandthumb—andyankedher back.Theyankmayhavebeentoohard,butthewholething— theleaps,thereach—hadjustbeenanautomaticreaction.
Heleaptforwardandcaughtuptoherprettyquickly.He grabbedPaigebythereedlikeupperarm—hecouldhavecircled theflimsybicepwithhisindexfingerandthumb—andyankedher back.Theyankmayhavebeentoohard,butthewholething— theleaps,thereach—hadjustbeenanautomaticreaction.
Paigehadtriedtoflee.Hehaddonewhatwasnecessaryto stopher.
Paigehadtriedtoflee.Hehaddonewhatwasnecessaryto stopher.
“Ow!”shecried.“Letgoofme!”
“Ow!”shecried.“Letgoofme!”
Therewereloadsofpeoplearound,andsome,Simonwas sure,hadturnedatthesoundofhercry.Hedidn’tcare,except itaddedurgencytohismission.Hewouldhavetoactfastnow andgetheroutofherebeforesomeGoodSamaritansteppedin to“rescue”Paige.
Therewereloadsofpeoplearound,andsome,Simonwas sure,hadturnedatthesoundofhercry.Hedidn’tcare,except itaddedurgencytohismission.Hewouldhavetoactfastnow andgetheroutofherebeforesomeGoodSamaritansteppedin to“rescue”Paige.
“Honey,it’sDad.Justcomewithme,okay?”
“Honey,it’sDad.Justcomewithme,okay?”
Herbackwasstilltohim.Simonspunhersothatshewould havetofacehim,butPaigecoveredhereyeswiththecrookofher arm,asthoughhewereshiningabrightlightinherface.
Herbackwasstilltohim.Simonspunhersothatshewould havetofacehim,butPaigecoveredhereyeswiththecrookofher arm,asthoughhewereshiningabrightlightinherface.
“Paige?Paige,pleaselookatme.”
“Paige?Paige,pleaselookatme.”
Herbodystiffenedandthen,suddenly,relaxed.Paigelowered herarmfromherfaceandslowlyturnedhergazeupathim.Hope againtookflight.Yes,hereyesweresunkendeepintothesocketsandthecolorwasyellowwhereitshouldhavebeenwhite, butnow,forthefirsttime,Simonthoughtthatmaybehesawa flicker—life—theretoo.
Herbodystiffenedandthen,suddenly,relaxed.Paigelowered herarmfromherfaceandslowlyturnedhergazeupathim.Hope againtookflight.Yes,hereyesweresunkendeepintothesocketsandthecolorwasyellowwhereitshouldhavebeenwhite, butnow,forthefirsttime,Simonthoughtthatmaybehesawa flicker—life—theretoo.
Forthefirsttime,hesawahintofthelittlegirlheonceknew. WhenPaigespoke,hecouldfinallyheartheechoofhisdaughter:“Dad?”
Forthefirsttime,hesawahintofthelittlegirlheonceknew. WhenPaigespoke,hecouldfinallyheartheechoofhisdaughter:“Dad?”
Henodded.Heopenedhismouth,closeditbecausehefelt toooverwhelmed,triedagain.“I’mheretohelpyou,Paige.”
Henodded.Heopenedhismouth,closeditbecausehefelt toooverwhelmed,triedagain.“I’mheretohelpyou,Paige.”
Shestartedtocry.“I’msosorry.”
Shestartedtocry.“I’msosorry.”
“It’sokay,”hesaid.“It’sgoingtobeokay.”
“It’sokay,”hesaid.“It’sgoingtobeokay.”
HARLAN COBEN
Hestretchedouthisarmstosweephisdaughterintosafety, whenanothervoiceslicedthroughtheparklikeareaper’sscythe. “Whatthefuck...?”
Hestretchedouthisarmstosweephisdaughterintosafety, whenanothervoiceslicedthroughtheparklikeareaper’sscythe.
“Whatthefuck...?”
Simonfelthisheartdrop.Helookedtohisright. Aaron.
Simonfelthisheartdrop.Helookedtohisright. Aaron.
PaigecringedawayfromSimonatthesoundofAaron’svoice. Simontriedtoholdontoher,butshepulledherarmloose,the guitarcasebangingagainstherleg.
PaigecringedawayfromSimonatthesoundofAaron’svoice. Simontriedtoholdontoher,butshepulledherarmloose,the guitarcasebangingagainstherleg.
“Paige...”Simonsaid.
“Paige...”Simonsaid.
Butwhateverclarityhehadseeninhereyesjustafewseconds agoshatteredintoamillionpieces.
Butwhateverclarityhehadseeninhereyesjustafewseconds agoshatteredintoamillionpieces.
“Leavemealone!”shecried.
“Leavemealone!”shecried.
“Paige,please—”
“Paige,please—”
Paigestartedtobackpedalaway.Simonreachedoutforher armagain,adesperatemanfallingoffacliffandtryingtograspa branch,butPaigeletoutapiercingscream.
Paigestartedtobackpedalaway.Simonreachedoutforher armagain,adesperatemanfallingoffacliffandtryingtograspa branch,butPaigeletoutapiercingscream.
Thatturnedheads.Lotsofthem. Simondidnotbackaway.
Thatturnedheads.Lotsofthem.
Simondidnotbackaway.
“Please,justlisten—”
“Please,justlisten—”
AndthenAaronsteppedbetweenthem.
AndthenAaronsteppedbetweenthem.
Thetwomen,SimonandAaron,wereeyetoeye.PaigecoweredbehindAaron.Aaronlookedstrung-out,wearingadenim jacketoveragrungywhiteT-shirt—thelatestinheroinchicminusthechic.Hehadtoomanychainsaroundhisneckandhad thatstubblethataimedforfashionablebutfellwayshort,and workboots,whichwerealwaysanironiclookonsomeonewho wouldn’trecognizeadayofhonestworkifitkickedhiminthe groin.
Thetwomen,SimonandAaron,wereeyetoeye.PaigecoweredbehindAaron.Aaronlookedstrung-out,wearingadenim jacketoveragrungywhiteT-shirt—thelatestinheroinchicminusthechic.Hehadtoomanychainsaroundhisneckandhad thatstubblethataimedforfashionablebutfellwayshort,and workboots,whichwerealwaysanironiclookonsomeonewho wouldn’trecognizeadayofhonestworkifitkickedhiminthe groin.
“It’sokay,Paige,”Aaronsaidwithasmoothsneer,stillmeeting Simon’sgaze.“Youjustkeepmoving,doll.”
“It’sokay,Paige,”Aaronsaidwithasmoothsneer,stillmeeting Simon’sgaze.“Youjustkeepmoving,doll.”
Simonshookhishead.“No,don’t...”
Simonshookhishead.“No,don’t...”
ButPaige,almostusingAaron’sbackforleverage,pushedoff andstartedtosprintdownthepath.
ButPaige,almostusingAaron’sbackforleverage,pushedoff andstartedtosprintdownthepath.
“Paige?”Simonshouted.“Wait!Pleasejust—”
“Paige?”Simonshouted.“Wait!Pleasejust—”
CHAPTER
CHAPTER
TWO
FForawhile,thecopsjustleftSimonfacedownontheasphaltwithhishandscuffedbehindhisback.Onecop— shewasfemaleandblackwithanametagthatread hayes—bentdownandcalmlytoldhimthathewasunderarrest andthenreadhimhisrights.Simonthrashedandscreamedabout hisdaughter,beggingsomeone,anyone,tostopher.Hayesjust keptrecitingtheMirandarights.
orawhile,thecopsjustleftSimonfacedownontheasphaltwithhishandscuffedbehindhisback.Onecop— shewasfemaleandblackwithanametagthatread hayes—bentdownandcalmlytoldhimthathewasunderarrest andthenreadhimhisrights.Simonthrashedandscreamedabout hisdaughter,beggingsomeone,anyone,tostopher.Hayesjust keptrecitingtheMirandarights.
WhenHayesfinished,shestraightenedupandturnedaway. Simonstartedscreamingabouthisdaughteragain.Noonewould listen,possiblybecausehesoundedunhinged,sohetriedtocalm himselfandconjureupamorepolitetone.
WhenHayesfinished,shestraightenedupandturnedaway. Simonstartedscreamingabouthisdaughteragain.Noonewould listen,possiblybecausehesoundedunhinged,sohetriedtocalm himselfandconjureupamorepolitetone.
“Officer?Ma’am?Sir?”
“Officer?Ma’am?Sir?”
Theyallignoredhimandtookstatementsfromwitnesses.Severalofthetouristswereshowingthecopsvideosoftheincident, which,Simonimagined,didnotlookgoodforhim.
Theyallignoredhimandtookstatementsfromwitnesses.Severalofthetouristswereshowingthecopsvideosoftheincident, which,Simonimagined,didnotlookgoodforhim.
“Mydaughter,”hesaidagain.“Iwastryingtosavemydaughter.Hekidnappedher.”
“Mydaughter,”hesaidagain.“Iwastryingtosavemydaughter.Hekidnappedher.”
Thelastpartwasaquasilie,buthehopedforareaction.He didn’tgetone.
Thelastpartwasaquasilie,buthehopedforareaction.He didn’tgetone.
Simonturnedhisheadleftandright,lookingforAaron.There wasnosignofhim.
Simonturnedhisheadleftandright,lookingforAaron.There wasnosignofhim.
“Whereishe?”heshouted,againsoundingunhinged. Hayesfinallylookeddownathim.“Who?” “Aaron.”
“Whereishe?”heshouted,againsoundingunhinged. Hayesfinallylookeddownathim.“Who?” “Aaron.”
Nothing.
Nothing.
“TheguyIpunched.Whereishe?”
Noanswer.
“TheguyIpunched.Whereishe?” Noanswer.
Theadrenalinerushbegantotaperoff,allowinganauseating levelofpaintoflowthroughhisbody.Eventually—Simonhad noideahowmuchtimehadpassed—Hayesandatallwhitecop withthenametagwhitehoistedhimupanddrag-walkedhim toasquadcar.Whenhewasinthebackseat,Whitetookthe driver’sside,Hayesthepassenger.Hayes,whohadhiswallet inherhand,turnedaroundandsaid,“Sowhathappened,Mr. Greene?”
Theadrenalinerushbegantotaperoff,allowinganauseating levelofpaintoflowthroughhisbody.Eventually—Simonhad noideahowmuchtimehadpassed—Hayesandatallwhitecop withthenametagwhitehoistedhimupanddrag-walkedhim toasquadcar.Whenhewasinthebackseat,Whitetookthe driver’sside,Hayesthepassenger.Hayes,whohadhiswallet inherhand,turnedaroundandsaid,“Sowhathappened,Mr. Greene?”
“Iwastalkingtomydaughter.Herboyfriendgotintheway.I triedtomovearoundhim...”
“Iwastalkingtomydaughter.Herboyfriendgotintheway.I triedtomovearoundhim...”
Simonstoppedtalking.
Simonstoppedtalking.
“And?”sheprompted.
“And?”sheprompted.
“Doyouhaveherboyfriendincustody?Canyoupleasehelp mefindmydaughter?”
“Doyouhaveherboyfriendincustody?Canyoupleasehelp mefindmydaughter?”
“And?”Hayesrepeated.
“And?”Hayesrepeated.
Simonwascrazed,buthewasn’tinsane.“Therewasanaltercation.”
Simonwascrazed,buthewasn’tinsane.“Therewasanaltercation.”
“Analtercation.”
“Analtercation.”
“Yes.”
“Yes.”
“Walkusthroughit.”
“Walkusthroughit.”
“Walkyouthroughwhat?”
“Walkyouthroughwhat?”
“Thealtercation.”
“Thealtercation.”
“Firsttellmeaboutmydaughter,”Simontried.“Hernameis PaigeGreene.Herboyfriend,whoIbelieveisholdingheragainst herwill,isnamedAaronCorval.Iwastryingtorescueher.”
“Firsttellmeaboutmydaughter,”Simontried.“Hernameis PaigeGreene.Herboyfriend,whoIbelieveisholdingheragainst herwill,isnamedAaronCorval.Iwastryingtorescueher.”
“Mm-hmm,”Hayessaid.Then:“Soyoupunchedahomeless guy?”
“Mm-hmm,”Hayessaid.Then:“Soyoupunchedahomeless guy?”
“Ipunched—”Simonstoppedhimself.Heknewbetter.
“Ipunched—”Simonstoppedhimself.Heknewbetter.
“Youpunched?”Hayesprompted. Simondidn’treply.
“Youpunched?”Hayesprompted. Simondidn’treply.
“Right,that’swhatIthought,”Hayessaid.“Yougotbloodall overyou.Evenonyournicetie.ThataHermès?”
“Right,that’swhatIthought,”Hayessaid.“Yougotbloodall overyou.Evenonyournicetie.ThataHermès?”
Itwas,butSimondidn’tsayanythingmore.Hisshirtwasstill buttonedallthewaytothethroat,thetieideallyWindsored.
Itwas,butSimondidn’tsayanythingmore.Hisshirtwasstill buttonedallthewaytothethroat,thetieideallyWindsored.
“Whereismydaughter?”
“Whereismydaughter?”
“Noidea,”Hayessaid.
“Noidea,”Hayessaid.
“ThenIdon’thaveanythingelsetosayuntilIspeaktomyattorney.”
“ThenIdon’thaveanythingelsetosayuntilIspeaktomyattorney.”
“Suityourself.”
“Suityourself.”
Hayesturnedbackaroundanddidn’tsayanythingelse.They droveSimontotheemergencyroomatMountSinaiWeston Fifty-NinthStreetnearTenthAvenue,wheretheytookhimimmediatelytoX-ray.Adoctorwearingaturbanandlookingtoo youngtogetintoR-ratedfilmsputSimon’sfingersintosplintsand stitcheduphisscalplacerations.Therewasnothingtobedone forthebrokenribs,thedoctorexplained,otherthan“restrictactivityforsixweeksorso.”
Hayesturnedbackaroundanddidn’tsayanythingelse.They droveSimontotheemergencyroomatMountSinaiWeston Fifty-NinthStreetnearTenthAvenue,wheretheytookhimimmediatelytoX-ray.Adoctorwearingaturbanandlookingtoo youngtogetintoR-ratedfilmsputSimon’sfingersintosplintsand stitcheduphisscalplacerations.Therewasnothingtobedone forthebrokenribs,thedoctorexplained,otherthan“restrictactivityforsixweeksorso.”
Therestwasasurrealwhirlwind:thedrivetoCentralBooking at100CentreStreet,themugshots,thefingerprints,theholding cell.Theygavehimaphonecall,justlikeinthemovies.Simon wasgoingtocallIngrid,buthedecidedtogowithhisbrother-inlawRobert,atopManhattanlitigator.
Therestwasasurrealwhirlwind:thedrivetoCentralBooking at100CentreStreet,themugshots,thefingerprints,theholding cell.Theygavehimaphonecall,justlikeinthemovies.Simon wasgoingtocallIngrid,buthedecidedtogowithhisbrother-inlawRobert,atopManhattanlitigator.
“I’llgetsomeoneoverthererightaway,”Robertsaid.
“I’llgetsomeoneoverthererightaway,”Robertsaid.
“Youcan’thandleit?”
“Youcan’thandleit?”
“I’mnotcriminal.”
“I’mnotcriminal.”
“YoureallythinkIneedacriminal—?”
“YoureallythinkIneedacriminal—?”
“Yeah,Ido.PlusYvonneandIareattheshorehouse.It’lltake metoolongtogetin.Justsittight.”
“Yeah,Ido.PlusYvonneandIareattheshorehouse.It’lltake metoolongtogetin.Justsittight.”
Halfanhourlater,atinywomaninherearlytomidseventies withcurlyblonde-to-grayhairandfireinhereyesintroducedherselfwithafirmhandshake.
Halfanhourlater,atinywomaninherearlytomidseventies withcurlyblonde-to-grayhairandfireinhereyesintroducedherselfwithafirmhandshake.
“HesterCrimstein,”shesaidtoSimon.“Robertsentme.”
“HesterCrimstein,”shesaidtoSimon.“Robertsentme.”
“I’mSimonGreene.”
“I’mSimonGreene.”
“Yeah,I’matop-notchlitigator,soIpiecedthattogether.Now repeatafterme,SimonGreene:‘Notguilty.’”
“Yeah,I’matop-notchlitigator,soIpiecedthattogether.Now repeatafterme,SimonGreene:‘Notguilty.’”
“What?”
“What?”
“JustrepeatwhatIsaid.”
“JustrepeatwhatIsaid.”
“Notguilty.”
“Notguilty.”
“Beautiful,welldone,bringstearstomyeyes.”HesterCrimsteinleanedcloser.“Thosearetheonlywordsyou’reallowedto say—andtheonlytimeyou’llsaythosewordsiswhenthejudge asksforaplea.Yougotme?”
“Beautiful,welldone,bringstearstomyeyes.”HesterCrimsteinleanedcloser.“Thosearetheonlywordsyou’reallowedto say—andtheonlytimeyou’llsaythosewordsiswhenthejudge asksforaplea.Yougotme?”
“Gotyou.”
“Gotyou.”
“Doweneedtodoadryrehearsal?”
“Doweneedtodoadryrehearsal?”
“No,IthinkIgotit.”
“No,IthinkIgotit.”
“Goodboy.”
“Goodboy.”
Whentheyheadedintothecourtroomandshesaid,“Hester Crimsteinforthedefense,”abuzzstartedhummingthroughthe court.Thejudgeraisedhisheadandarchedaneyebrow.
Whentheyheadedintothecourtroomandshesaid,“Hester Crimsteinforthedefense,”abuzzstartedhummingthroughthe court.Thejudgeraisedhisheadandarchedaneyebrow.
“CounselorCrimstein,thisisquitethehonor.Whatbringsyou tomyhumblecourtroom?”
“CounselorCrimstein,thisisquitethehonor.Whatbringsyou tomyhumblecourtroom?”
“I’mjustheretostopagravemiscarriageofjustice.”
“I’mjustheretostopagravemiscarriageofjustice.”
“I’msureyouare.”Thejudgefoldedhishandsandsmiled.“It’s nicetoseeyouagain,Hester.”
“I’msureyouare.”Thejudgefoldedhishandsandsmiled.“It’s nicetoseeyouagain,Hester.”
“Youdon’tmeanthat.”
“Youdon’tmeanthat.”
“You’reright,”thejudgesaid.“Idon’t.”
“You’reright,”thejudgesaid.“Idon’t.”
ThatseemedtopleaseHester.“You’relookinggood,Your Honor.Theblackrobeworksonyou.”
ThatseemedtopleaseHester.“You’relookinggood,Your Honor.Theblackrobeworksonyou.”
“What,thisoldthing?”
“What,thisoldthing?”
“Makesyoulookthin.”
“Makesyoulookthin.”
“Itdoes,doesn’tit?”Thejudgesatback.“Whatdoesthedefendantplead?”
“Itdoes,doesn’tit?”Thejudgesatback.“Whatdoesthedefendantplead?”
HestergaveSimonalook.
HestergaveSimonalook.
“Notguilty,”hesaid.
“Notguilty,”hesaid.
Hesternoddedherapproval.Theprosecutoraskedforfive thousanddollarsinbail.Hesterdidnotcontesttheamount.
Hesternoddedherapproval.Theprosecutoraskedforfive thousanddollarsinbail.Hesterdidnotcontesttheamount.
Oncetheywentthroughthelegalrigmaroleofpaperworkand bureaucracyandwereallowedtoleave,Simonstartedforthe frontentrance,butHesterstoppedhimwithahandonhis forearm.
Oncetheywentthroughthelegalrigmaroleofpaperworkand bureaucracyandwereallowedtoleave,Simonstartedforthe frontentrance,butHesterstoppedhimwithahandonhis forearm.
“Notthatway.”
“Notthatway.”
“Whynot?”
“Whynot?”
“They’llbewaiting.”
“Who?”
“They’llbewaiting.” “Who?”
Hesterpressedtheelevatorbutton,checkedthelightsabove thedoors,said,“Followme.”
Hesterpressedtheelevatorbutton,checkedthelightsabove thedoors,said,“Followme.”
Theyhitthestepsandtookthemdowntwolevels.Hester startedleadinghimtowardthebackofthebuilding.Shepicked uphermobile.
Theyhitthestepsandtookthemdowntwolevels.Hester startedleadinghimtowardthebackofthebuilding.Shepicked uphermobile.
“YouattheEgglooonMulberry,Tim?Good.Fiveminutes.”
“YouattheEgglooonMulberry,Tim?Good.Fiveminutes.”
“What’sgoingon?”Simonasked. “Odd.”
“What’sgoingon?”Simonasked. “Odd.”
“What?”
“What?”
“Youkeeptalking,”Hestersaid,“whenIspecificallytoldyou notto.”
“Youkeeptalking,”Hestersaid,“whenIspecificallytoldyou notto.”
Theyheadeddownadarkcorridor.Hesterledtheway.She turnedright,thenrightagain.Eventuallytheyreachedanemployeeentrance.Peoplewereflashingbadgestocomein,but Hesterjustbarreledthroughtoexit.
Theyheadeddownadarkcorridor.Hesterledtheway.She turnedright,thenrightagain.Eventuallytheyreachedanemployeeentrance.Peoplewereflashingbadgestocomein,but Hesterjustbarreledthroughtoexit.
“Youcan’tdothat,”aguardsaid. “Arrestus.”
“Youcan’tdothat,”aguardsaid. “Arrestus.”
Hedidn’t.Amomentlater,theywereoutside.Theycrossed BaxterStreetandcutthroughthegreenofColumbusPark, passedthreevolleyballcourts,andendeduponMulberryStreet.
Hedidn’t.Amomentlater,theywereoutside.Theycrossed BaxterStreetandcutthroughthegreenofColumbusPark, passedthreevolleyballcourts,andendeduponMulberryStreet.
“Youlikeicecream?”Hesterasked.
“Youlikeicecream?”Hesterasked.
Simondidnotreply.Hepointedtohisclosedmouth. Hestersighed.“Youhavepermissiontospeak.” “Yes.”
Simondidnotreply.Hepointedtohisclosedmouth. Hestersighed.“Youhavepermissiontospeak.”
“Yes.”
“EggloohasaCampfireS’moresicecreamsandwichthat’sto diefor.Itoldmydrivertograbtwofortheride.”
“EggloohasaCampfireS’moresicecreamsandwichthat’sto diefor.Itoldmydrivertograbtwofortheride.”
TheblackMercedeswaswaitinginfront.Thedriverhadthe icecreamsandwiches.HehandedonetoHester.
TheblackMercedeswaswaitinginfront.Thedriverhadthe icecreamsandwiches.HehandedonetoHester.
“Thanks,Tim.Simon?”
“Thanks,Tim.Simon?”
Simonshookofftheother.Hestershrugged.“Allyours,Tim.”
Shetookabiteofherownandslippedintothebackseat.Simon gotinnexttoher.
Simonshookofftheother.Hestershrugged.“Allyours,Tim.” Shetookabiteofherownandslippedintothebackseat.Simon gotinnexttoher.
“Mydaughter—”Simonbegan.
“Mydaughter—”Simonbegan.
“Thepoliceneverfoundher.”
“Thepoliceneverfoundher.”
“HowaboutAaronCorval?”
“HowaboutAaronCorval?”
“Who?”
“Who?”
“TheguyIpunched.”
“TheguyIpunched.”
“Whoawhoa,don’tevenjokearoundaboutthat.Youmeanthe guyyouallegedlypunched.”
“Whoawhoa,don’tevenjokearoundaboutthat.Youmeanthe guyyouallegedlypunched.”
“Whatever.”
“Whatever.”
“Notwhatever.Noteveninprivate.”
“Notwhatever.Noteveninprivate.”
“Okay,Igotit.Doyouknowwhere—?”
“Okay,Igotit.Doyouknowwhere—?”
“Hetookofftoo.”
“Hetookofftoo.”
“Whatdoyoumean,‘tookoff’?”
“Whatdoyoumean,‘tookoff’?”
“Whatpartof‘tookoff’isconfusing?Heranawaybefore thepolicecouldlearnanythingabouthim.Whichisgoodfor you.Novictim,nocrime.”Shetookanotherbiteandwiped thecornerofherlips.“Thecasewillgoawaysoonenough, but...Look,Igotafriend.HernameisMariquitaBlumberg. She’saballbuster—notasweetheartlikeme.Butshe’sthebest handlerinthecity.WeneedMariquitatogetonyourPRcampaignrightaway.”
“Whatpartof‘tookoff’isconfusing?Heranawaybefore thepolicecouldlearnanythingabouthim.Whichisgoodfor you.Novictim,nocrime.”Shetookanotherbiteandwiped thecornerofherlips.“Thecasewillgoawaysoonenough, but...Look,Igotafriend.HernameisMariquitaBlumberg. She’saballbuster—notasweetheartlikeme.Butshe’sthebest handlerinthecity.WeneedMariquitatogetonyourPRcampaignrightaway.”
Thedriverstartedupthecar.TheMercedesstartednorthand turnedrightonBayardStreet.
Thedriverstartedupthecar.TheMercedesstartednorthand turnedrightonBayardStreet.
“PRcampaign?WhywouldIneed—?”
“PRcampaign?WhywouldIneed—?”
“I’lltellyouinaminute,butwedon’tneedthedistraction rightnow.Firsttellmewhathappened.Everything.Frombeginningtoend.”
“I’lltellyouinaminute,butwedon’tneedthedistraction rightnow.Firsttellmewhathappened.Everything.Frombeginningtoend.”
Hetoldher.Hesterturnedhersmallframetofacehim.She wasoneofthosepeoplewhoraisethephrase“undividedatten-
Hetoldher.Hesterturnedhersmallframetofacehim.She wasoneofthosepeoplewhoraisethephrase“undividedatten-
tion”intoanartform.Shehadbeenallenergyandmovement. Nowthatenergywasmorelikealaserbeampointeddirectlyat him.Shewasfocusingoneverywordwithanempathysostrong hecouldreachoutandtouchit.
tion”intoanartform.Shehadbeenallenergyandmovement. Nowthatenergywasmorelikealaserbeampointeddirectlyat him.Shewasfocusingoneverywordwithanempathysostrong hecouldreachoutandtouchit.
“Ohman,I’msorry,”Hestersaidwhenhefinished.“Thattruly sucks.”
“Ohman,I’msorry,”Hestersaidwhenhefinished.“Thattruly sucks.”
“Soyouunderstand.”
“Soyouunderstand.”
“Ido.”
“Ido.”
“IneedtofindPaige.OrAaron.”
“IneedtofindPaige.OrAaron.”
“I’llcheckagainwiththedetectives,butlikeIsaid,myunderstandingisthattheybothranoff.”
“I’llcheckagainwiththedetectives,butlikeIsaid,myunderstandingisthattheybothranoff.”
Anotherdeadend.Simon’sbodystartedtoache.Whatever defensemechanisms,whateverchemicalresponsesthatdelayif notblockpainwereerodinginahurry.Paindidn’tsomuchebb throughasflowin.
Anotherdeadend.Simon’sbodystartedtoache.Whatever defensemechanisms,whateverchemicalresponsesthatdelayif notblockpainwereerodinginahurry.Paindidn’tsomuchebb throughasflowin.
“SowhydoIneedaPRcampaign?”Simonasked.
Hestertookouthermobilephoneandstartedfutzingwithit. “Hatethesethings.Somuchinformationandsomanyuses,but mostlyitruinsyourlife.Youhavekids,right?Wellobviously.How manyhoursadaydotheyspend...”Hervoicedriftedoff.“Not thetimeforthatparticularlecture.Here.”
“SowhydoIneedaPRcampaign?”Simonasked. Hestertookouthermobilephoneandstartedfutzingwithit. “Hatethesethings.Somuchinformationandsomanyuses,but mostlyitruinsyourlife.Youhavekids,right?Wellobviously.How manyhoursadaydotheyspend...”Hervoicedriftedoff.“Not thetimeforthatparticularlecture.Here.”
Hesterhandedhimthephone.
Hesterhandedhimthephone.
Simonsawthatshe’dbroughtupaYouTubevideowith 289,000views.Whenhesawthescreenshotpreviewandreadthe title,hisheartsank:
Simonsawthatshe’dbroughtupaYouTubevideowith 289,000views.Whenhesawthescreenshotpreviewandreadthe title,hisheartsank: PROSPERITYPUNCHESPOVERTY
PROSPERITYPUNCHESPOVERTY
WALLSTREETWALLOPSVAGABOND
DADDYWARBUCKSDESTROYSTHEDESTITUTE
BROKERBOPSBUM
“HAVE”HITS“HAVE-NOT”
“HAVE”HITS“HAVE-NOT”
HeflickedhiseyesupatHester,whogavehimasympathetic shrug.ShereachedacrossandtappedPlaywithherindexfinger. Thevideohadbeentakenbysomeonewiththescreenname ZorraStilettoandpostedtwohoursago.ZorraStilettohadbeen panningupfromthreewomen—perhapshiswifeandtwo daughters?—whensomekindofdisturbancedrewhisattention. Thelensjerkedtotheright,regainingfocuswithidealtimingona pompous-lookingSimon—whythehellhadn’thechangedoutof thatsuitoratleastloosenedthegoddamntie?—justasPaigewas pullingawayfromhimandAaronwassteppinguptogetbetween them.Itlooked,ofcourse,asthougharich,privileged,suitedman wasaccosting(andmaybeworse)amuchyoungerwoman,who wasthenbeingrescuedbyastand-uphomelessguy.
HeflickedhiseyesupatHester,whogavehimasympathetic shrug.ShereachedacrossandtappedPlaywithherindexfinger. Thevideohadbeentakenbysomeonewiththescreenname ZorraStilettoandpostedtwohoursago.ZorraStilettohadbeen panningupfromthreewomen—perhapshiswifeandtwo daughters?—whensomekindofdisturbancedrewhisattention. Thelensjerkedtotheright,regainingfocuswithidealtimingona pompous-lookingSimon—whythehellhadn’thechangedoutof thatsuitoratleastloosenedthegoddamntie?—justasPaigewas pullingawayfromhimandAaronwassteppinguptogetbetween them.Itlooked,ofcourse,asthougharich,privileged,suitedman wasaccosting(andmaybeworse)amuchyoungerwoman,who wasthenbeingrescuedbyastand-uphomelessguy.
Asthescared,fragileyoungwomancoweredbehindhersavior’sback,themaninthesuitstartedscreaming.Theyoung womanranaway.Themaninthesuittriedtopushpastthehomelessguyandfollowher.Simonknew,ofcourse,whathewasabout tosee.Stillhewatched,wide-eyedandhopeful,asthoughthere wereachancethatthesuitedmanwouldnotbemoronicenough toactuallypullbackhisfistandpunchthebravehomelessman straightintheface.
Asthescared,fragileyoungwomancoweredbehindhersavior’sback,themaninthesuitstartedscreaming.Theyoung womanranaway.Themaninthesuittriedtopushpastthehomelessguyandfollowher.Simonknew,ofcourse,whathewasabout tosee.Stillhewatched,wide-eyedandhopeful,asthoughthere wereachancethatthesuitedmanwouldnotbemoronicenough toactuallypullbackhisfistandpunchthebravehomelessman straightintheface.
Butthatwasexactlywhathappened.
Butthatwasexactlywhathappened.
TherewasbloodasthekindlyhomelessSamaritancrumpled tothepavement.Theuncaringrichmaninthesuittriedtostep overtherubbleofhim,butthehomelessSamaritangrabbedhis leg.WhenanAsianmaninabaseballcap—anotherGoodSamaritannodoubt—enteredthefray,thesuitedmanelbowedhimin thenosetoo.
TherewasbloodasthekindlyhomelessSamaritancrumpled tothepavement.Theuncaringrichmaninthesuittriedtostep overtherubbleofhim,butthehomelessSamaritangrabbedhis leg.WhenanAsianmaninabaseballcap—anotherGoodSamaritannodoubt—enteredthefray,thesuitedmanelbowedhimin thenosetoo.
Simonclosedhiseyes.“Ohman.” “Yep.”
Simonclosedhiseyes.“Ohman.”
“Yep.”
WhenSimonopenedhiseyesagain,heignoredthecardinal ruleforallarticlesandvideos:Nevereverreadthecomment section.
WhenSimonopenedhiseyesagain,heignoredthecardinal ruleforallarticlesandvideos:Nevereverreadthecomment section.
“Richguysthinktheycangetawaywithstufflikethis.”
“Richguysthinktheycangetawaywithstufflikethis.”
“Hewasgoingtorapethatgirl!Luckythatherosteppedin.”
“Hewasgoingtorapethatgirl!Luckythatherosteppedin.”
“DaddyWarbucksshouldgetlifeinjail.Period.”
“DaddyWarbucksshouldgetlifeinjail.Period.”
“IbetRichieRichgetsoff.Ifhewasblack,hewouldhave beenshot.”
“IbetRichieRichgetsoff.Ifhewasblack,hewouldhave beenshot.”
“Thatguywhosavedthatgirlissobrave.Ifthemayorlets thisrichguybuyhiswaytofreedom.”
“Thatguywhosavedthatgirlissobrave.Ifthemayorlets thisrichguybuyhiswaytofreedom.”
“Goodnews,”Hestersaid.“Youdohaveafewfans.”Shetook thephone,scrolleddown,pointed.
“Goodnews,”Hestersaid.“Youdohaveafewfans.”Shetook thephone,scrolleddown,pointed.
“Thehomelessguyisprobablyonfoodstamps.Congratsto thesuitforcleaningupthetrash.”
“Thehomelessguyisprobablyonfoodstamps.Congratsto thesuitforcleaningupthetrash.”
“Maybeifthatsmellymethbumgetsajobinsteadofliving offthedole,hewon’tgetdecked.”
“Maybeifthatsmellymethbumgetsajobinsteadofliving offthedole,hewon’tgetdecked.”
Theprofileavatarsofhis“supporters”hadeithereaglesor Americanflagsonthem.
Theprofileavatarsofhis“supporters”hadeithereaglesor Americanflagsonthem.
“Terrific,”Simonsaid.“Thepsychosareonmyside.”
“Terrific,”Simonsaid.“Thepsychosareonmyside.”
“Hey,don’tknockit.Afewmightbeonthejury.Notthatthis isgoingtoajury.Orevenatrial.Domeafavor.”
“Hey,don’tknockit.Afewmightbeonthejury.Notthatthis isgoingtoajury.Orevenatrial.Domeafavor.”
“What?”
“What?”
“HittheRefreshbutton,”Hestersaid.
“HittheRefreshbutton,”Hestersaid.
Hewasn’tsurewhatshemeant,soHesterreachedacrossand hitthearrowatthetop.Thevideoreloaded.Hesterpointedtothe viewercount.Ithadjumpedupfrom289,000viewsto453,000 inthelast,what,twominutes.
Hewasn’tsurewhatshemeant,soHesterreachedacrossand hitthearrowatthetop.Thevideoreloaded.Hesterpointedtothe viewercount.Ithadjumpedupfrom289,000viewsto453,000 inthelast,what,twominutes.
“Congrats,”Hestersaid.“You’reaviralhit.”
“Congrats,”Hestersaid.“You’reaviralhit.”
CHAPTER THREE
CHAPTER
THREE
SSimonstaredoutthewindow,lettingthefamiliargreenof theparkblurinfrontofhim.Whenthedrivermadetheleft offCentralParkWestontoWestSixty-SeventhStreet,he heardHestermutter,“Uh-oh.” Simonturned.
imonstaredoutthewindow,lettingthefamiliargreenof theparkblurinfrontofhim.Whenthedrivermadetheleft offCentralParkWestontoWestSixty-SeventhStreet,he heardHestermutter,“Uh-oh.” Simonturned.
Newsvansweredouble-parkedinfrontofhisapartment. Maybetwodozenprotestorsstayedbehindbluewooden-horse barriersthatread: policeline—donotcross nypd
Newsvansweredouble-parkedinfrontofhisapartment. Maybetwodozenprotestorsstayedbehindbluewooden-horse barriersthatread:
policeline—donotcross nypd
“Where’syourwife?”Hesterasked.
“Where’syourwife?”Hesterasked.
Ingrid.Hehadcompletelyforgottenaboutherorwhatherreactionmightbetoallthis.Healsorealizedthathehadnoidea whattimeitwas.Hecheckedhiswatch.Fivethirtyp.m. “Atwork.”
Ingrid.Hehadcompletelyforgottenaboutherorwhatherreactionmightbetoallthis.Healsorealizedthathehadnoidea whattimeitwas.Hecheckedhiswatch.Fivethirtyp.m.
“Atwork.”
“She’sapediatrician,right?”
“She’sapediatrician,right?”
Henodded.“AtNewYork–Presbyterianat168thStreet.” “Whattimedoesshefinish?”
Henodded.“AtNewYork–Presbyterianat168thStreet.” “Whattimedoesshefinish?”
“Seventonight.”
“Seventonight.”
“Doesshedrivehome?”
“Doesshedrivehome?”
“Shetakesthesubway.”
“Shetakesthesubway.”
“Callher.Timwillpickherup.Whereareyourkids?”
“Callher.Timwillpickherup.Whereareyourkids?”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Idon’tknow.”
“Callthemtoo.Thefirmhasanapartmentinmidtown.You guyscanstaytheretonight.”
“Callthemtoo.Thefirmhasanapartmentinmidtown.You guyscanstaytheretonight.”
“Wecangetahotel.”
“Wecangetahotel.”
Hestershookherhead.“They’llfindyouifyoudothat.The apartmentwillbebetter,andit’snotlikewedon’tcharge.”
Hestershookherhead.“They’llfindyouifyoudothat.The apartmentwillbebetter,andit’snotlikewedon’tcharge.”
Hesaidnothing.
Hesaidnothing.
“Thistooshallpass,Simon,ifwedon’tfeedthefire.Bytomorrow,thenextdayatthelatest,theloonieswillallbeontothe newestoutrage.Americahaszeroattentionspan.”
“Thistooshallpass,Simon,ifwedon’tfeedthefire.Bytomorrow,thenextdayatthelatest,theloonieswillallbeontothe newestoutrage.Americahaszeroattentionspan.”
HecalledIngrid,butwithherworkingintheemergencyroom today,itwentdirectlyintohervoicemail.Simonleftheradetailed message.ThenhecalledSam,whoalreadyknewallaboutit.
HecalledIngrid,butwithherworkingintheemergencyroom today,itwentdirectlyintohervoicemail.Simonleftheradetailed message.ThenhecalledSam,whoalreadyknewallaboutit.
Samsaid,“Thevideo’sgottenoveramillionhits.”Hisson seemedbothstartledandimpressed.“Ican’tbelieveyoupunched outAaron.”Thenherepeated:“You.”
Samsaid,“Thevideo’sgottenoveramillionhits.”Hisson seemedbothstartledandimpressed.“Ican’tbelieveyoupunched outAaron.”Thenherepeated:“You.”
“Iwasjusttryingtogettoyoursister.”
“Iwasjusttryingtogettoyoursister.”
“Everyone’smakingitsoundlikeyou’resomerichbully.”
“Everyone’smakingitsoundlikeyou’resomerichbully.”
“That’snotwhathappened.”
“That’snotwhathappened.”
“YeahIknow.”
“YeahIknow.”
Silence.
Silence.
“Sothisdriver,Tim,willpickyouup—”
“Sothisdriver,Tim,willpickyouup—”
“That’sokay.I’llstaywiththeBernsteins.” “Areyousure?”
“That’sokay.I’llstaywiththeBernsteins.” “Areyousure?”
“Yeah.”
“Yeah.”
“Isitokaywithhisparents?”
“Isitokaywithhisparents?”
“Larrysaysit’snoproblem.I’lljustgohomewithhimafter practice.”
“Larrysaysit’snoproblem.I’lljustgohomewithhimafter practice.”
“Okay,ifyouthinkthat’sbest.”
“It’lljustbeeasier.”
“Okay,ifyouthinkthat’sbest.” “It’lljustbeeasier.”
