As Ella puzzles out the words on the birth certificate, Jesse says it aloud:
“I know because Katie McKenzie was my birth mother.”
CHAPTER 54
KELLER
After meeting with Hal, Keller finds Atticus in his small office. He has a visitor, a petite woman carrying a Tupperware container.
“I’m sorry, I didn’t know you were tied up,” Keller says. “I can come back.”
Atticus says, “No, it’s okay. This is my mom.”
The woman gives a big smile that reaches her eyes—the same Bambi eyes that she passed on to her son.
“You’re the FBI agent Atticus has been talking so much about,” she says in a slight Indian accent.
“Mom!”
“He still gets embarrassed, just like when he was a little boy.”
Keller smiles, shakes her hand. “It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“You as well. Atticus has been so excited to work with you. He’s always wanted to be in the FBI. He took the job here as a start, but maybe you can help him if he—”
“Really, Mom.” Atticus has jumped out of his seat and is guiding his mother to the door.
Keller hides a smile. “From what I’ve seen so far, he’ll make a fine FBI agent.”
His mother beams. “I’ll let you get to work.” She hands Atticus the Tupperware. “I made your favorite for dinner.” She looks at Keller. “If you don’t mind spicy, there’s plenty.”
“I love spicy, but these two don’t agree.” She places a hand on her belly.
Atticus’s mom releases a lovely laugh.
Her son shepherds her out the door.
From the hallway, Mrs. Singh calls out, “Nice to meet you. Keep my boy safe.”
Atticus gives an exasperated shake of the head as he shuffles her away.
When he returns, he says, “Sorry about that.”
“Nothing to apologize about. She’s obviously very proud of you. I didn’t know you were interested in the Bureau.”
“Someday. But I need to stay near home. Mom’s health isn’t good, so it’s not the right time.”
“Your father isn’t able to…”
“He died when I was in high school. He worked as a security guard at a bank, there was a robbery, and … I didn’t mention it before because, you know, it can be awkward for people.”
“I’m so sorry, Atticus.”
“It’s okay. But there was an FBI agent, he was kind to me. And he caught the guy, and ever since, I wanted … you know.”
Keller nods. She pictures a young Atticus imagining he’s a G-man like in the old television shows. He’s a good candidate for the Bureau: he’s smart, meticulous, and HQ loves Yale men. The kid could be at Quantico right now or making six figures in the business world, but instead, he chose to take care of his mom.
“Anyway,” Atticus says, changing the subject, “you’re heading out?”
“I’m not done with the county just yet. I’m actually going on a stakeout, of sorts—want to join?”
“Hells yeah, I do.” He smiles. “What’re we staking out?”
Keller recalls Hal’s comment that she still has work to do. “A loose end.”
CHAPTER 55
CHRIS
Chris opens his eyes to the sound of beeps, the feeling of tubes running across his body, and the look of concern on Ms. May’s face.
Clint appears in the frame. “There he is.” His deep voice echoes overhead.
The sound reverberates through Chris’s head, a jolt of agony both piercing and dull at the same time. When it subsides, Chris tries to shake off the grog. It takes a minute, then he understands. He’s in the hospital. The memories are flooding back now: The underpass. The kid with the knife. The girl mouthing Help me.
“Did they find her?” he says, his voice hoarse.
Ms. May smiles and pats his arm gently. “You need to take it easy, Christopher. You have a nasty concussion.”
“Don’t worry, she’s safe,” Clint says. Chris hears pride in Clint’s tone. “She said you saved her.”
“Who is she? What—”
“They’re both runaways. He’d been abusing her. She’s safe now,” Clint says. “You’re lucky. They found your car, then found you out cold.”
“Did they catch the kid who was hurting her?”
“He’s down the hall,” Clint says. “He’s been arrested and they have an officer stationed at his room. He said there was another guy who whacked you on the head. They haven’t caught him yet.”