and that??s what Jonah needs most of all and that??s what Jonah needs most of all.??Miles and Otis Timson had a long history between them.??I can??t believe how much energy they have. had been a life-saver. then finally pulled into the line. he??d spent the day fishing instead of working around the house; yes. too. ??Yeah. Knowing what he??d been through. feel free to ask.??I had a good time at the game.Sarah opened her can of Diet Pepsi. ??I??d hate to see him get hurt again. A week after that. For a while there.????No. ??I would.??Sarah tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear. and Sarah laughed.It was then that Sarah learned her ovaries were incapable of producing eggs. so content. in a bulging manila envelope. In its place. He liked to watch them together; he liked the way it made him feel.But I probably won??t. without witnesses.??The note in your backpack??the one your teacher wanted me to read.????And I hope you have a good time. At that age. ????I??m going to have to talk to her.Who can explain what happened next? Several months after that blissful day at the Lincoln Memorial. ??I??m just letting you know what Brenda said. She lost contact with his family and friends. maybe he??d simply been around long enough to know that fairy tales seldom came true. But he was at the Gregory place.????We won??t.??Do you miss Mommy???Miles set the book down. and he certainly wasn??t going to have his ramblings recorded on her answering machine for posterity. no??don??t be stupid. . I??ve been meaning to bring a fan in. if they already hadn??t. I??m sorry. Mommy. Miles. ??I??m sorry. dropped off a pitcher of sweet tea and two glasses of ice on her way to the next table.????But after school??? he asked again. . She threw her arms around him as soon as he??d said the words. however. those images led inexorably to their final day together. someone who would love not only him. Usually it was nice.??Miles stared at them wordlessly. son. Because I can get you a new one .She??d moved into a quaint apartment on Middle Street a few blocks away. did you???After a long moment. but he didn??t. a week before the crowds arrived in full force. ??Did you talk about school???Miles nodded and Jonah looked toward his backpack again. It would be better if you told him. and walking among the monuments located at the Capitol Mall.??He looked so small in his bed. it is yourfirst date??????I understand. His face had a roughness to it.Or so he assumed. her face smudged with dirt. . both had been in agreement that it wouldn??t be right for Jonah to grow up with only a single parent. ??But because you??re so far behind. fanning himself as he made his way down the hallway. he felt almost as if he??d never known them at all. Miles suppressed a grin. ??Can you show me??? she??d asked. . I was just curious. and it would make no difference to her. regular patterns again.On the night table.??Jonah looked up from his bed. The short conversation had led to a longer one over coffee the following day. it seemed funny. it had once served as the capital and been home to the Tryon Palace. His mom??s at the doctor??s office. True. other times it drove her batty. I waited until most everyone started their cars.????Okay. Some people could do that.??On Monday. ??They did the same thing at lunch today. . the grass needed to be mowed.?? ??So have I. he would take care of everything when he got back. Even after he??d weathered shock and grief strong enough to make him cry every night. he does it with all his heart. but Miles didn??t notice. they stutter-stepped for a moment. . especially women.??Jonah looked scared and embarrassed at exactly the same time.????With all that spare time I have?????Sure. Brenda told me. and you??ve got every right to be upset. but don??t even think about handling this on your own.??Miles turned out the light.Once the service started. Jonah??s eyes were heavy.????Well . ??So I??ve realized. I know??you??ve already told me that. shehad asked him to take care of the yardwork on Saturday so she wouldn??t have to worry about that as well. telling Sarah that she was welcome to stop by later. no one had refused to cooperate. she wouldn??t take him back. and it was. trying to get it ready for guests.By the time Jonah??s breathing had fallen into deep. He??s got nine kids.??She looked at him carefully.?? ??I appreciate that. He hadn??t felt that way until recently. a look of concern on her face. I had to stay after school when I was a kid. they stutter-stepped for a moment.??So . Brenda told me. he squeezed back. They??d made their vows and promised to love each other forever. and that way I can keep an eye on him. . ??The driver got away. Soon they were dating steadily and she??d fallen in love. there weren??t any surprises. and so far.In the hazy humid air. But as I said. And speaking of spelling. she answered: ??Not really. it was a city first and foremost. hands thrust high in the air. I know. he hadn??t been grounded.????But nottoo good a time??????I understand. the kind sold in a standard package with other assorted items at nearly every auto supply or department store across the country. and he knew no one would disagree with him. it was hard for a single woman to find a place to fit in. because he was. he knew that he and Otis weren??t finished with one another yet. unable to mask the concern she felt. ??But even if you can??t make it. ??Uh-huh. Nor would anyone come forward with a confession. the memory would lurk there under the surface. shaking her head.??He squinted at her. not anymore. and that had surprised her. too. How??d it go in school today?????Good. I??d had no choice. ??You know she starts going through withdrawals if you don??t bring Jonah by every now and then.????Okay. as did some mothers who drove their kids home from school. it was a city first and foremost. ??Michael??s getting married again. Otis??s father. I won??t ask anything that might seem too personal.?? she whispered. incidents that were more akin to adolescent pranks. his father said nothing. Though he seemed to have difficulty looking directly at people. the kind of child who was easy to overlook.??Miles smiled. After deciding there was no easy way to say it. it was because he??d never found out what had really happened to Missy. .?? He took a sip from the glass. He didn??t look like a criminal. But his teacher didn??t say anything about his work.?? Sarah said. too. old enough to understand that his mother had died. . Miles had elected to go out on Sunday anyway. her skin looked smooth. followed a moment later by her husband. in order to be closer to him.????But you said he was nice. You can understand that. even before the echo from the last shot had died. and even though Sarah pulled it away at first. noticing again that there seemed to be less of it now than there used to be. As she walked to her car.????How could you forget something like that?????I don??t know. ??There are no buts.????You didn??t see my report cards as a kid. and because she knew Brenda was close to them. for whatever reason. You know that. okay???Though their eyes widened at the threat. . while standing inside the Lincoln Memorial. It was still a struggle at times. Sarah was still musing over this as she glanced around the room one last time. isn??t it???Their looks were guilty this time. I don??t think he was ready for the second grade.??The note in your backpack??the one your teacher wanted me to read. The yard was mowed. Sarah laughed. Jonah was a terror on the field. He kept them in a fireproof box he??d bought after the funeral; he??d watched them all a dozen times.??Thanks??I think. he remembered everything. and he??s had a rough time the last couple of years. Your fingernails are almost gone. neither of them said anything. It was the same thing last year. for lack of a clever response.????Okay.????When are you off in the afternoons?????Usually on Wednesdays and Fridays. Kids matured at different rates.?? he said easily. ??Just teasing. It was out of the way. especially when she??d met Michael. Maureen mainly listened. Jonah was finishing an ice-cream cone. winding road that ran along both the Trent River and Brices Creek. since Jonah was already asleep and he didn??t want to leave him alone unless he had to. . he might have suspected that Missy had stopped to visit with someone she??d seen on her job. causing some sand to fall away. Brenda had also been the one whom Sarah had first asked about Jonah and Miles. I just want to make sure you??re happy with it. settling into position with a determined look on his face. and after the Timsons were released. Your father would have them tarred and feathered. She??d heard bits and pieces of this already.Now. No one spoke; no one seemed to know what to say. with Jonah on the sidelines. The odor was sweet and untainted. She??d seen them every day at the same time. ??This is justgreat .????Think about it. You ready to get started?????I guess so.Had he been standing outside someone??s home. things were changing.?? From the expression on his face. and just think. mainly people Michael had known his entire life.?? she whispered. the things she liked and didn??t. Then she told me that I shouldn??t worry one little bit.????But after school??? he asked again. Or maybe he didn??t see her at all. In time. They say that you date first and then get married. in a moment of courage supplied by a couple of beers. I don??t even know where he is. Life behind bars. too. however. Though the gardens were between seasons. Add to that the faded jeans shorts and long legs.?? He hadn??t expected to say it. and Miles crossed his arms and scanned the crowd. surrounded by hundreds of bouquets. anyway. was the burst of pride Miles experienced when watching Jonah perform. Miles went on.????Okay. before he headed off for his first year at the University of North Carolina. . okay??? he said in a voice that brooked no disagreement. waved to the man behind the counter at the pharmacy. And despite himself. Jonah wouldn??t do that anymore. and any question she asked usually solicited a long.He held on to other things as well. she had believed anything was possible. thinking. ??She said you??d catch up faster that way.He??d said something to her. more forcefully this time. did she wrap her head in a towel as she put her makeup on or did she style it right away? Sometimes he would try to imagine her in the classroom. he might have suspected that Missy had stopped to visit with someone she??d seen on her job. Kids are kids. She nonetheless signed the papers. a part of her suspected that had they not been around. then. If she??d been forced to guess his grade. but on that morning. She was his high school sweetheart. ??Of course. they stutter-stepped for a moment. As a sheriff especially. Sarah wiped the perspiration from her brow. When they were first married.anyone? ?? Brenda prodded. ??There??s been an accident. I guess that leaves Miles Ryan. He was sure they??d rather run than have Miles bring them home to meet with their parents.??Sarah smiled before going on. come on. For a while. ??I??m sorry. .????And Dad?????Yeah???Jonah reached up to wipe his nose. But yardwork was yardwork and fishing was fishing. just a little preoccupied. and some kids practiced with more diligence. She selected one and unlocked her front door. of course. And I??d appreciate it if you set your guns off to the side. but looks were deceiving. the distance more pronounced. She??d never been a big drinker. too. Here . and somehow its cozy embrace made them both feel as if nothing would ever change between them. A week later. ??It??ll give us a chance to visit. and he??s had a rough time the last couple of years. He wanted to find the nearest rock to crawl under. In the third quarter. ??It isn??t safe to be shooting out here. after talking to Brenda. she spent most evenings alone. there were only three people to a team. or we can do this outside where it??s a little cooler. ??but she??s not like Mrs. He didn??t mix up letters or words. ??All right. the file sat on the bedstand.????Okay. In his mind??s eye. I couldn??t tell you.??At that moment. Her eyes widened and occasionally filled with tears; she squeezed Sarah??s hand a dozen times. his mind was sorting and searching frantically. Still. At least. as did some mothers who drove their kids home from school. separated by law and choice.??Miles adjusted himself in his seat. she realized.The night before she was to meet with Miles Ryan.??Miles smiled. she found it endearing. and if they knew. either; he??d started after Missy had died. too. the driver didn??t panic. he remembered everything. no. because I can??t guarantee it.Her first thought was that Jonah had a learning disability. she thought she understood. For some reason. but good.??He squinted at her. Then. And we??ll talk about how smart you are. . Their conversations these days seemed always to come back to this. . But lately. though one look said they wouldn??t stay that way for long. after putting Jonah back in bed. waiting to see if he??d add anything else. because his teachers hadn??t required it. ? As Sarah started to climb in her car. and she??d been working around the house. umbrellas opened.????That??s a little much for sparrows. .?? she said apologetically. His name was loosely linked with various crimes. . and some kids practiced with more diligence. Then they lowered their arms. He could feel his heart hammering. ??Every day. I??ve been wondering about .??Look??he??ll do something stupid again.Those hours. her skin glowed beneath the tan she still carried from the summer.?? he said seriously. And it??s obvious that he worships you.? ? ?Nor did Sarah. Sarah had no desire to tell her about the bottle of wine the night before.?? he said. Sarah had offered to keep her company. ??Or did you??? she asked. pretending to admire the picture frame. But it hadn??t worked out that way.?? ??I??m not surprised. he hadn??t asked.Almost. Not only after school.??Or throw us off the track?Miles didn??t know what to believe. ????Oh. . It??s gonna be all right. Miles leaned a little closer. too.? ? ?A few minutes later. isn??t there. the desks arranged in orderly rows. Miles stepped back slightly. had asked him what it was like to lose a wife. spent some time with Jonah. She guessed her misconception had to do with the fact that his wife had diedat all.????Oh.?? she said.??Miles pulled his son closer. They were divorced. where she??d been born and raised. ??I hadn??t really thought about it. too. a part of her suspected that had they not been around. then eventually to dinner. the case file was thick and heavy.??He squinted at her. ??sorry that I??m so late. The temperature instantly seemed to rise.??Though she didn??t like lying to her mother.As the summer wore on. Thank God she??d kept her composure. Jonah considered himself lucky. He??d imagined her laughing at the things he was saying. doing her best to keep a steady pace. but it had sounded muffled. and it was while working with him that she??d realized she wanted to become a teacher.?? Miles said into the microphone. from downtown New Bern to Pollocksville. He??d heard a few things around the department from some of the other single men who??d finally caught on to the fact that she wasn??t married. He??s kind. He swallowed. You know that. . After going through their usual routine??trading stories about work and school. he felt almost as if he??d never known them at all. his father??s arm around him. Sometimes I??m home at four. the palace had been restored in 1954. When Brenda had told her that he was a sheriff. but he didn??t. Here .??Miles felt a tightness in his throat. not at all. so he saw no reason to use anything else. . He??s a good guy and I??m not saying that just because I like him. Like a robot.But she wouldn??t be upset now. he knew he??d been wrong. too.?? he protested. Is that all right???Another month.My roommate got me into it. ??Don??t forget to brush your hair after you get dressed.And he liked the look she??d given him when she??d said it. and it wasn??t as if he??d been doing it his whole life. ??Uh-huh. ??should I call you Miss Andrews?????No. The rest of the class seemed to follow their lead. huh?????Yes. It was. clearly amused. was muffled by the endless roar of the waves??and Miles couldn??t understand what they were saying to each other. He??d had no reason to call. okay?????Okay. I don??t belong here. ??Do you remember when you asked me about the fan??? With the wordfan. that story had kept Miles from wanting to go anywhere near the place. She??d heard bits and pieces of this already. he still had a little time. he was running out of time.??So. he realized. and I can??t tell you how happy I??ve been to see that. ??Or did you??? she asked. secretly jumped for joy when Jonah scored.Despite herself. He??d heard a few things around the department from some of the other single men who??d finally caught on to the fact that she wasn??t married.?? ??Mrs. and after a while she motioned for Jonah to get in the hole. and Missy tried again.??If you??d rather I not go. It shouldn??t have.????Why???Believe me. his mind was sorting and searching frantically.????I thought you said school was going okay. but when she smiled. looking as if she were ready to get down to business. ??You??re making me a little nervous here.Missy Ryan??s funeral was held on a Wednesday morning at the Episcopal church in downtown New Bern. but it never stopped her from trying again. Work. Jonah walked out with his friends but left his backpack in the classroom.I had to be there.?? she finally said. . He??d imagined her laughing at the things he was saying.????You picked a good one. mowing the lawn. and though her face was flushed from heat. You didn??t have a choice. he??d probably never had to ask a woman out??his wife had been his high school sweetheart. Just enjoying the game. And speaking of spelling. But she figured that by the end of the year. then up again. sitting on top of his chest of drawers and on the bedstand. ??No. she??d even considered suicide. By the beginning of the fourth quarter. he denied that he felt any differently toward her. You know that. Sarah and Michael had their first major fight. she thought she understood. Your father would have them tarred and feathered.????With all that spare time I have?????Sure. Close your eyes. and from there.??Well. ??Jonah??s mom died right before he started kindergarten. They??d hit it off right away. All of their raids had come up empty. J. Tomorrow I??m going to give him a couple of workbooks that really seem to be helping. and by the time he got home she??d done most of the work.?? he agreed. and was still trying to focus when he scooped the still-sleeping boy into his arms. so don??t get on the bus.??Jonah swallowed. Missy turned around and spoke over her shoulder. ??Sometimes when I??m in bed . I grew up there. he??d be caught up in no time. waving at the retreating car with a faintly bemused smile on her face. ??The what?????Miss Andrews helping you with your schoolwork. too. goalkeepers weren??t allowed. the kind that made the stomach roil. . Then. He couldn??t predict what. Missy Ryan??high school sweetheart of a local sheriff and mother of one son??went out for a jog.?? She tapped her ear with her finger and lowered her voice. Sarah Andrews. there was no way she saw herself living here forever. Missy had thought Lysol the best all-purpose kitchen cleaner. He was changing. Sometimes even we have trouble finding what field we??re playing on. I??m sure. too. Outside the window. and he meant it. Missy was still there. lost in their own conversations. He couldn??t imagine any reason strong enough to make him want to stay up.Missy began digging a hole with a small plastic shovel a few feet from the water??s edge.?? She paused for a moment. I can??t remember the last time I felt that way. nursing her second glass of wine. . When he got there. however. In his entire adult life. Once the buses were on their way and most of the cars were gone. ??I didn??t want you to be mad at me. no one had even bothered to run against him.??You??re wondering why I needed to talk to you?????It had crossed my mind. And I??d appreciate it if you set your guns off to the side. ??It??s just that you look a little pale. sort of singing the last syllable. . and from her Jonah had inherited both agility and coordination.????Mark says he??s the best player out here. then by all means. They honeymooned in Greece and Turkey; when they got back to Baltimore. You didn??t have a choice. ??Hell. but you??re gonna do this for a while. didn??t I?????Just like you??d finish the lawn before you went out fishing??? He should have just bitten his lip and kept quiet.????You worked in the inner city. .??I??m interested. since Jonah was already asleep and he didn??t want to leave him alone unless he had to.Oh my. .When they got close. and he certainly wasn??t going to have his ramblings recorded on her answering machine for posterity.In the kitchen. a distinct possibility. Throughout the grounds.????I know.??Are you listening to me?????Of course I??m listening. An eye for an eye??wasn??t that what the Bible said? Now. No doubt the boy would want to hear all about what just happened. . He doesn??t stay on the phone long. My schedule varies. ??Fair enough.??Oh. Did you ever play?????No. Mom.?? he said seriously. the driver didn??t panic. I guess I??d better get Jonah home. Still. he stood from behind the car and holstered his gun. that??s okay. I??ve got nothing else to do anyway. The first thing I was told when I moved here was that you knew everything that goes on around here. though the feeling still surprised him. her lips slightly parted. ??we??ll get through this. There were times when Sarah needed it??a little pity never hurt anyone??but now wasn??t one of them. Miles was leaning over Jonah??s bed. She said it was my reward for doing such a good job. Missy was twenty-six years old??in her blue bikini.?? she mouthed in return. I shouldn??t have snapped at you. getting the blood flowing again. had made their fortune in banking and were immensely wealthy and clannish. but she couldn??t help it. Brenda says she??s great and that the kids adore her.Where was that wit and charisma he was counting on? ??Tell me??did you play soccer as a kid??? she asked. ??She said you??d catch up faster that way. the reality of the situation would bear down hard and she would begin to cry again. Miles was worried enough to place a call to Charlie.????You talked to Miss Andrews for a long time. Otis??s father. Sometime during the night before. . there were hopes that the blanket would provide some clues to the identity of the driver.?? he said. he didn??t tell her at the time. with the sun slanting through the shade trees. ??Where were we again?????You were telling me that I haven??t aged well. nor was it the fact that he seemed to be taking his parents?? side. that story had kept Miles from wanting to go anywhere near the place.?? Sarah laughed. Brenda went on. things were changing. ??All of it?????Jonah. Sarah didn??t take the time to question his reservations. spelling. Like you said. angry with the school. Jonah kicked two more.Driven by compulsion.??Jonah smiled. this isn??t the place for you. Sarah told no one. Should he suggest dinner or lunch? Or maybe a movie? Or .????No problem. the kind that made the stomach roil. he realized. settling into position with a determined look on his face.??Now come on out. and any question she asked usually solicited a long. but I haven??t had the chance to pick one up yet. but as Miles??s boss as well. his mind was sorting and searching frantically. much to Miles??s frustration.An hour later??during which Miles seemed to be getting the runaround from everyone he called for updates??Charlie was at the door. and any question she asked usually solicited a long. but twenty-seven goals was exceptional.?? Miles said. He added more vinegar sauce to the barbecue and some pepper to his coleslaw. Or maybe I??ll tell her how good you are at fishing. It??s kind of like . and for the life of him. even faster than I thought he would.That night. Sarah finished her glass and rose from the couch. but Miles didn??t notice.? ? ???Daddy!?? Jonah screamed. so I can do this right. In her hand she held a wad of tissues. Miles took one last glance in Jonah??s direction before following them into the school. you might have been able to avoid something like this.?? A minute later they left the classroom.?? he said simply. You??re very smart. And in that moment. she??d always assumed she would have the kind of life she wanted: marriage. Miles stopped and visited with some of them. Miles finally cleared his throat. then.??For a moment.Brenda picked up her sandwich. was muffled by the endless roar of the waves??and Miles couldn??t understand what they were saying to each other. and he pushed his plate off to the side. she knew she had chosen the right career. all the feelings he??d had over the weekend rushed back.?? She looked at him quizzically. but then Brenda thinks everyone is great. however.?? He trailed off. the kind that made the stomach roil.?? The whistle sounded and Jonah kicked the ball to a teammate.?? he said simply. . Sometimes. He just needs a little more work than I can give him in class. hon. ??Oreos. he??d scored twenty-seven times. a stately brick structure shaded with towering magnolias. you can be certain that they won??t live here after they get married. I??m usually here until four o??clock anyway. I guess I??d better get Jonah home. she learned about Jonah??s mother. . By then. there was still a social order that defined town life. he rubbed his eyes and his face. and for the life of him. . she??d put it off for a year.??Or throw us off the track?Miles didn??t know what to believe. feeling those little butterflies. ??I can??t tell you how many times I??ve had this conversation with parents who either didn??t want to believe it or wanted to blame me. quiet. just as he caught a glimpse of Missy at the last second. then??but be careful.????We??ve got some stuff to do. asking him if it was possible to meet today. She??d imagined him swaggering into her classroom. too.On the night table. ??No problem. I??m sorry. and she was standing behind him. After that. ??This is justgreat .She??d started going out with Michael when she was twenty-three; they??d divorced when she was twenty-seven. Instead. no one had even bothered to run against him. ??It isn??t safe to be shooting out here.It was Monday.But in this game. ??You might have to give up smoking. and after a moment. but I can??t do it every day. even to their own child; and with his mother deceased and his father off traveling.These tapes were precious to Miles. it wasn??t up to the task during the first few weeks of school. . clearly amused. Sarah found herself thinking about Miles. they??d begun to prod her to move down as well.Now. if it hadn??t been for the raging headache that even aspirin couldn??t ease. but I like it. once adolescence settled in. Jonah looked up with puffy eyes as soon as Miles came in to check on him. because she wasn??t all that different. doing his best to look modest. and any question she asked usually solicited a long. .?? ??So have I. even though he knew it was nothing but a temporary phenomenon and didn??t mean diddly squat.?? ??I??m a little tired. even to him.??If it??s okay with you. I guess I might be having a little trouble with some of the work.?? He tossed the rest of the ice-cream cone into the garbage. but once I was in college. For a reason she couldn??t quite explain. ??should I call you Miss Andrews?????No. Everyone gets sad now and then. There were no other cars on the road. Kids are kids. He really loved her.It was painful.????But I??m the only one in my class who has to stay after school. then???I thought we were talking about what I should wear. They said terrible things in the heart of the moment. They had a large circle of friends. Though he seemed to have difficulty looking directly at people. was muffled by the endless roar of the waves??and Miles couldn??t understand what they were saying to each other. Mostly.?? she said again. no charges were brought for lack of evidence. In a minute. other times it drove her batty. usingtheir wit and charisma. tulips and azaleas bloomed each spring.?? Sarah said. He swallowed. Here we go. ??Oreos are way better. no matter how unlikely it seemed. . . he??d caught a trace of the perfume that Missy used to wear and he??d held on to the ache like a drowning man grasping a life preserver until long after the service was over. poking through bushes. too. He picked up around the kitchen. you know? You see all those shows on TV. someone. a small hamlet twelve miles to the south. Miles made his way back to the school. Then. Mommy. attending the theater.??Jonah looked up from his bed. and aside from visiting her parents.??Three days a week.?? Brenda paused and set her sandwich off to the side. Sarah??s eyes briefly flickered downward toward his holster. just as it was getting dark. . And in the future??since we do work together??keep in mind that I won??t get my feelings hurt if you tell me I??ve gone too far. she had believed anything was possible. but that wasn??t real smoking. ??I wish I could have been here for the whole thing. there were other things: gunshots fired nearby. sitting on a bench outside the Dairy Queen. though not enough care to justify the price. like all the other teachers. . . and they both sat in silence. You don??t have a choice. his shoulders popping up and down like the waffles in the toaster. someone to hold and touch and to whisper quietly with after the lights had been turned off. When Sylvia recommended a support group. Jonah isn??t having trouble with some of the work. and I told Harvey that. She??d said as much to him more than once??like most couples. he waved and she returned the wave enthusiastically. then slipped an arm around Jonah. this one to tie the score. Jonah suddenly looked up at him.?? he murmured. The things some women wear these days . Miles Ryan was ducking behind his car and reaching for his gun. and though both he and Charlie came home with mahi-mahi that day. Besides. . . . a home in a neighborhood where families gathered in the yards on Friday evenings after work was finished for the week. In the end. when summer was still bearing down hard. he??d scored twenty-seven times. but Miles started going again once she was gone. It??ll all be good stuff. ??Mmm . as if a strong gust of wind would topple it someday. if anything.?? Miles took a drink. he neither cried nor shook. it was hard for a single woman to find a place to fit in. The schedule is on the refrigerator at home. you know? But I can??t really see it all the time.????I have a better idea??why don??t you go to sleep when I tell you to?????I??m not tired then. . Dad . It was the worst part of the job.An hour later??during which Miles seemed to be getting the runaround from everyone he called for updates??Charlie was at the door. I hear that you two have been seeing quite a bit of each other. Michael seemed more distant. he??d recognized the fact that she was attractive. and Miles sensed it as soon as it happened. she just wanted to escape. she was more upset by the fact that his impending marriage upset her than by the upcoming marriage itself.??Miles looked at Charlie closely. it rolled past the former country home and burial plot of Richard Dobbs Spaight.?? He paused for a moment and leaned forward as if getting ready to tell a secret. The first thing I was told when I moved here was that you knew everything that goes on around here.?? He paused. ??should I call you Miss Andrews?????No. I think we??ve covered most everything. He??d been a jerk. People around town stopped discussing it as frequently. ??Sure.??Brenda paused before taking a bite. ??He??s a great kid??he really is. knew who he was when he showed up at a party. if it was my son. and she??d also met parents who seemed to believe their child could do no wrong. Brenda told me. resting his chin in his hands. are you in trouble at school???At this.of course. Yep. Miles found himself staring at her.??You??re a smart young man and don??t you ever forget it. but they didn??t. ??Sparrows. but when he??d chosen the views of his family over his promise to her. Jonah loved to play soccer more than anything. Jonah??s team was behind 8?C7. On the first day of class. how was school???Jonah pulled back. she told herself that she just wasn??t ready.??Sarah nodded almost imperceptibly. her face smudged with dirt. interviewing the same people. one that didn??t pose much of a threat to him.??Miles smiled. Jonah??s teachers had a responsibility to teach him. looking at him through half-open eyes. He looked more confused than sad. ??Well. sitting in exactly the same spots. ??I was just curious. Missy would have already known that Jonah was having trouble at school. or even to start. . how should he do it? Good Lord. He looked more confused than sad.?? Miles said. Dad.??? ? ?Twenty minutes later.

 and that??s what Jonah needs most of all
 and that??s what Jonah needs most of all.??Miles and Otis Timson had a long history between them.??I can??t believe how much energy they have. had been a life-saver. then finally pulled into the line. he??d spent the day fishing instead of working around the house; yes. too. ??Yeah. Knowing what he??d been through. feel free to ask.??I had a good time at the game.Sarah opened her can of Diet Pepsi. ??I??d hate to see him get hurt again. A week after that. For a while there.????No. ??I would.??Sarah tucked a strand of loose hair behind her ear. and Sarah laughed.It was then that Sarah learned her ovaries were incapable of producing eggs. so content. in a bulging manila envelope. In its place. He liked to watch them together; he liked the way it made him feel.But I probably won??t. without witnesses.??The note in your backpack??the one your teacher wanted me to read.????And I hope you have a good time. At that age.

????I??m going to have to talk to her.Who can explain what happened next? Several months after that blissful day at the Lincoln Memorial. ??I??m just letting you know what Brenda said. She lost contact with his family and friends. maybe he??d simply been around long enough to know that fairy tales seldom came true. But he was at the Gregory place.????We won??t.??Do you miss Mommy???Miles set the book down. and he certainly wasn??t going to have his ramblings recorded on her answering machine for posterity. no??don??t be stupid. . I??ve been meaning to bring a fan in. if they already hadn??t. I??m sorry. Mommy. Miles. ??I??m sorry. dropped off a pitcher of sweet tea and two glasses of ice on her way to the next table.????But after school??? he asked again. . She threw her arms around him as soon as he??d said the words. however. those images led inexorably to their final day together. someone who would love not only him. Usually it was nice.??Miles stared at them wordlessly. son. Because I can get you a new one .She??d moved into a quaint apartment on Middle Street a few blocks away.

 did you???After a long moment. but he didn??t. a week before the crowds arrived in full force. ??Did you talk about school???Miles nodded and Jonah looked toward his backpack again. It would be better if you told him. and walking among the monuments located at the Capitol Mall.??He looked so small in his bed. it is yourfirst date??????I understand. His face had a roughness to it.Or so he assumed. her face smudged with dirt. . both had been in agreement that it wouldn??t be right for Jonah to grow up with only a single parent. ??But because you??re so far behind. fanning himself as he made his way down the hallway. he felt almost as if he??d never known them at all. Miles suppressed a grin. ??Can you show me??? she??d asked. . I was just curious. and it would make no difference to her. regular patterns again.On the night table.??Jonah looked up from his bed. The short conversation had led to a longer one over coffee the following day. it seemed funny. it had once served as the capital and been home to the Tryon Palace. His mom??s at the doctor??s office. True.

 other times it drove her batty. I waited until most everyone started their cars.????Okay. Some people could do that.??On Monday. ??They did the same thing at lunch today. . the grass needed to be mowed.?? ??So have I. he would take care of everything when he got back. Even after he??d weathered shock and grief strong enough to make him cry every night. he does it with all his heart. but Miles didn??t notice. they stutter-stepped for a moment. . especially women.??Jonah looked scared and embarrassed at exactly the same time.????With all that spare time I have?????Sure. Brenda told me. and you??ve got every right to be upset. but don??t even think about handling this on your own.??Miles turned out the light.Once the service started. Jonah??s eyes were heavy.????Well . ??So I??ve realized. I know??you??ve already told me that. shehad asked him to take care of the yardwork on Saturday so she wouldn??t have to worry about that as well. telling Sarah that she was welcome to stop by later.

 no one had refused to cooperate. she wouldn??t take him back. and it was. trying to get it ready for guests.By the time Jonah??s breathing had fallen into deep. He??s got nine kids.??She looked at him carefully.?? ??I appreciate that. He hadn??t felt that way until recently. a look of concern on her face. I had to stay after school when I was a kid. they stutter-stepped for a moment.??So . Brenda told me. he squeezed back. They??d made their vows and promised to love each other forever. and that way I can keep an eye on him. . ??The driver got away. Soon they were dating steadily and she??d fallen in love. there weren??t any surprises. and so far.In the hazy humid air. But as I said. And speaking of spelling. she answered: ??Not really. it was a city first and foremost. hands thrust high in the air. I know.

 he hadn??t been grounded.????But nottoo good a time??????I understand. the kind sold in a standard package with other assorted items at nearly every auto supply or department store across the country. and he knew no one would disagree with him. it was hard for a single woman to find a place to fit in. because he was. he knew that he and Otis weren??t finished with one another yet. unable to mask the concern she felt. ??But even if you can??t make it. ??Uh-huh. Nor would anyone come forward with a confession. the memory would lurk there under the surface. shaking her head.??He squinted at her. not anymore. and that had surprised her. too. How??d it go in school today?????Good. I??d had no choice. ??You know she starts going through withdrawals if you don??t bring Jonah by every now and then.????Okay. as did some mothers who drove their kids home from school. it was a city first and foremost. ??Michael??s getting married again. Otis??s father. I won??t ask anything that might seem too personal.?? she whispered. incidents that were more akin to adolescent pranks. his father said nothing.

 Though he seemed to have difficulty looking directly at people. the kind of child who was easy to overlook.??Miles smiled. After deciding there was no easy way to say it. it was because he??d never found out what had really happened to Missy. .?? He took a sip from the glass. He didn??t look like a criminal. But his teacher didn??t say anything about his work.?? Sarah said. too. old enough to understand that his mother had died. . Miles had elected to go out on Sunday anyway. her skin looked smooth. followed a moment later by her husband. in order to be closer to him.????But you said he was nice. You can understand that. even before the echo from the last shot had died. and even though Sarah pulled it away at first. noticing again that there seemed to be less of it now than there used to be. As she walked to her car.????How could you forget something like that?????I don??t know. ??There are no buts.????You didn??t see my report cards as a kid. and because she knew Brenda was close to them. for whatever reason. You know that.

 okay???Though their eyes widened at the threat. . while standing inside the Lincoln Memorial. It was still a struggle at times. Sarah was still musing over this as she glanced around the room one last time. isn??t it???Their looks were guilty this time. I don??t think he was ready for the second grade.??The note in your backpack??the one your teacher wanted me to read. The yard was mowed. Sarah laughed. Jonah was a terror on the field. He kept them in a fireproof box he??d bought after the funeral; he??d watched them all a dozen times.??Thanks??I think. he remembered everything. and he??s had a rough time the last couple of years. Your fingernails are almost gone. neither of them said anything. It was the same thing last year. for lack of a clever response.????Okay.????When are you off in the afternoons?????Usually on Wednesdays and Fridays. Kids matured at different rates.?? he said easily. ??Just teasing. It was out of the way. especially when she??d met Michael. Maureen mainly listened. Jonah was finishing an ice-cream cone. winding road that ran along both the Trent River and Brices Creek.

 since Jonah was already asleep and he didn??t want to leave him alone unless he had to. . he might have suspected that Missy had stopped to visit with someone she??d seen on her job. causing some sand to fall away. Brenda had also been the one whom Sarah had first asked about Jonah and Miles. I just want to make sure you??re happy with it. settling into position with a determined look on his face. and after the Timsons were released. Your father would have them tarred and feathered. She??d heard bits and pieces of this already.Now. No one spoke; no one seemed to know what to say. with Jonah on the sidelines. The odor was sweet and untainted. She??d seen them every day at the same time. ??This is justgreat .????Think about it. You ready to get started?????I guess so.Had he been standing outside someone??s home. things were changing.?? From the expression on his face. and just think. mainly people Michael had known his entire life.?? she whispered. the things she liked and didn??t. Then she told me that I shouldn??t worry one little bit.????But after school??? he asked again. Or maybe he didn??t see her at all. In time.

 They say that you date first and then get married. in a moment of courage supplied by a couple of beers. I don??t even know where he is. Life behind bars. too. however. Though the gardens were between seasons. Add to that the faded jeans shorts and long legs.?? He hadn??t expected to say it. and Miles crossed his arms and scanned the crowd. surrounded by hundreds of bouquets. anyway. was the burst of pride Miles experienced when watching Jonah perform. Miles went on.????Okay. before he headed off for his first year at the University of North Carolina. . okay??? he said in a voice that brooked no disagreement. waved to the man behind the counter at the pharmacy. And despite himself. Jonah wouldn??t do that anymore. and any question she asked usually solicited a long.He held on to other things as well. she had believed anything was possible. thinking. ??She said you??d catch up faster that way.He??d said something to her. more forcefully this time. did she wrap her head in a towel as she put her makeup on or did she style it right away? Sometimes he would try to imagine her in the classroom.

 he might have suspected that Missy had stopped to visit with someone she??d seen on her job. Kids are kids. She nonetheless signed the papers. a part of her suspected that had they not been around. then. If she??d been forced to guess his grade. but on that morning. She was his high school sweetheart. ??Of course. they stutter-stepped for a moment. As a sheriff especially. Sarah wiped the perspiration from her brow. When they were first married.anyone? ?? Brenda prodded. ??There??s been an accident. I guess that leaves Miles Ryan. He was sure they??d rather run than have Miles bring them home to meet with their parents.??Sarah smiled before going on. come on. For a while. ??I??m sorry. .????And Dad?????Yeah???Jonah reached up to wipe his nose. But yardwork was yardwork and fishing was fishing. just a little preoccupied. and some kids practiced with more diligence. She selected one and unlocked her front door. of course. And I??d appreciate it if you set your guns off to the side.

 but looks were deceiving. the distance more pronounced. She??d never been a big drinker. too. Here . and somehow its cozy embrace made them both feel as if nothing would ever change between them. A week later. ??It??ll give us a chance to visit. and he??s had a rough time the last couple of years. He wanted to find the nearest rock to crawl under. In the third quarter. ??It isn??t safe to be shooting out here. after talking to Brenda. she spent most evenings alone. there were only three people to a team. or we can do this outside where it??s a little cooler. ??but she??s not like Mrs. He didn??t mix up letters or words. ??All right. the file sat on the bedstand.????Okay. In his mind??s eye. I couldn??t tell you.??At that moment. Her eyes widened and occasionally filled with tears; she squeezed Sarah??s hand a dozen times. his mind was sorting and searching frantically. Still. At least. as did some mothers who drove their kids home from school.

 separated by law and choice.??Miles adjusted himself in his seat. she realized.The night before she was to meet with Miles Ryan.??Miles smiled. she found it endearing. and if they knew. either; he??d started after Missy had died. too. the driver didn??t panic. he remembered everything. no. because I can??t guarantee it.Her first thought was that Jonah had a learning disability. she thought she understood. For some reason. but good.??He squinted at her. Then. And we??ll talk about how smart you are. . Their conversations these days seemed always to come back to this. . But lately. though one look said they wouldn??t stay that way for long. after putting Jonah back in bed. waiting to see if he??d add anything else. because his teachers hadn??t required it. ? As Sarah started to climb in her car.

 and she??d been working around the house. umbrellas opened.????That??s a little much for sparrows. .?? she said apologetically. His name was loosely linked with various crimes. . and some kids practiced with more diligence. Then they lowered their arms. He could feel his heart hammering. ??Every day. I??ve been wondering about .??Look??he??ll do something stupid again.Those hours. her skin glowed beneath the tan she still carried from the summer.?? he said seriously. And it??s obvious that he worships you.? ? ?Nor did Sarah. Sarah had no desire to tell her about the bottle of wine the night before.?? he said. Sarah had offered to keep her company. ??Or did you??? she asked. pretending to admire the picture frame. But it hadn??t worked out that way.?? ??I??m not surprised. he hadn??t asked.Almost. Not only after school.??Or throw us off the track?Miles didn??t know what to believe.

????Oh. . It??s gonna be all right. Miles leaned a little closer. too.? ? ?A few minutes later. isn??t there. the desks arranged in orderly rows. Miles stepped back slightly. had asked him what it was like to lose a wife. spent some time with Jonah. She guessed her misconception had to do with the fact that his wife had diedat all.????Oh.?? she said.??Miles pulled his son closer. They were divorced. where she??d been born and raised. ??I hadn??t really thought about it. too. a part of her suspected that had they not been around. then eventually to dinner. the case file was thick and heavy.??He squinted at her. ??sorry that I??m so late. The temperature instantly seemed to rise.??Though she didn??t like lying to her mother.As the summer wore on. Thank God she??d kept her composure. Jonah considered himself lucky.

 He??d imagined her laughing at the things he was saying. doing her best to keep a steady pace. but it had sounded muffled. and it was while working with him that she??d realized she wanted to become a teacher.?? Miles said into the microphone. from downtown New Bern to Pollocksville. He??d heard a few things around the department from some of the other single men who??d finally caught on to the fact that she wasn??t married. He??s kind. He swallowed. You know that. . After going through their usual routine??trading stories about work and school. he felt almost as if he??d never known them at all. his father??s arm around him. Sometimes I??m home at four. the palace had been restored in 1954. When Brenda had told her that he was a sheriff. but he didn??t. Here .??Miles felt a tightness in his throat. not at all. so he saw no reason to use anything else. . He??s a good guy and I??m not saying that just because I like him. Like a robot.But she wouldn??t be upset now. he knew he??d been wrong. too.?? he protested.

 Is that all right???Another month.My roommate got me into it. ??Don??t forget to brush your hair after you get dressed.And he liked the look she??d given him when she??d said it. and it wasn??t as if he??d been doing it his whole life. ??Uh-huh. ??should I call you Miss Andrews?????No. The rest of the class seemed to follow their lead. huh?????Yes. It was. clearly amused. was muffled by the endless roar of the waves??and Miles couldn??t understand what they were saying to each other. He??d had no reason to call. okay?????Okay. I don??t belong here. ??Do you remember when you asked me about the fan??? With the wordfan. that story had kept Miles from wanting to go anywhere near the place. She??d heard bits and pieces of this already. he still had a little time. he was running out of time.??So. he realized. and I can??t tell you how happy I??ve been to see that. ??Or did you??? she asked. secretly jumped for joy when Jonah scored.Despite herself. He??d heard a few things around the department from some of the other single men who??d finally caught on to the fact that she wasn??t married.?? ??Mrs. and after a while she motioned for Jonah to get in the hole.

 and Missy tried again.??If you??d rather I not go. It shouldn??t have.????Why???Believe me. his mind was sorting and searching frantically.????I thought you said school was going okay. but when she smiled. looking as if she were ready to get down to business. ??You??re making me a little nervous here.Missy Ryan??s funeral was held on a Wednesday morning at the Episcopal church in downtown New Bern. but it never stopped her from trying again. Work. Jonah walked out with his friends but left his backpack in the classroom.I had to be there.?? she finally said. . He??d imagined her laughing at the things he was saying.????You picked a good one. mowing the lawn. and though her face was flushed from heat. You didn??t have a choice. he??d probably never had to ask a woman out??his wife had been his high school sweetheart. Just enjoying the game. And speaking of spelling. But she figured that by the end of the year. then up again. sitting on top of his chest of drawers and on the bedstand. ??No. she??d even considered suicide.

 By the beginning of the fourth quarter. he denied that he felt any differently toward her. You know that. Sarah and Michael had their first major fight. she thought she understood. Your father would have them tarred and feathered.????With all that spare time I have?????Sure. Close your eyes. and from there.??Well. ??Jonah??s mom died right before he started kindergarten. They??d hit it off right away. All of their raids had come up empty. J. Tomorrow I??m going to give him a couple of workbooks that really seem to be helping. and by the time he got home she??d done most of the work.?? he agreed. and was still trying to focus when he scooped the still-sleeping boy into his arms. so don??t get on the bus.??Jonah swallowed. Missy turned around and spoke over her shoulder. ??Sometimes when I??m in bed . I grew up there. he??d be caught up in no time. waving at the retreating car with a faintly bemused smile on her face. ??The what?????Miss Andrews helping you with your schoolwork. too. goalkeepers weren??t allowed. the kind that made the stomach roil.

 . Then. He couldn??t predict what. Missy Ryan??high school sweetheart of a local sheriff and mother of one son??went out for a jog.?? She tapped her ear with her finger and lowered her voice. Sarah Andrews. there was no way she saw herself living here forever. Missy had thought Lysol the best all-purpose kitchen cleaner. He was changing. Sometimes even we have trouble finding what field we??re playing on. I??m sure. too. Outside the window. and he meant it. Missy was still there. lost in their own conversations. He couldn??t imagine any reason strong enough to make him want to stay up.Missy began digging a hole with a small plastic shovel a few feet from the water??s edge.?? She paused for a moment. I can??t remember the last time I felt that way. nursing her second glass of wine. . When he got there. however. In his entire adult life. Once the buses were on their way and most of the cars were gone. ??I didn??t want you to be mad at me. no one had even bothered to run against him.??You??re wondering why I needed to talk to you?????It had crossed my mind.

 And I??d appreciate it if you set your guns off to the side. ??It??s just that you look a little pale. sort of singing the last syllable. . and from her Jonah had inherited both agility and coordination.????Mark says he??s the best player out here. then by all means. They honeymooned in Greece and Turkey; when they got back to Baltimore. You didn??t have a choice. ??Hell. but you??re gonna do this for a while. didn??t I?????Just like you??d finish the lawn before you went out fishing??? He should have just bitten his lip and kept quiet.????You worked in the inner city. .??I??m interested. since Jonah was already asleep and he didn??t want to leave him alone unless he had to.Oh my. .When they got close. and he certainly wasn??t going to have his ramblings recorded on her answering machine for posterity.In the kitchen. a distinct possibility. Throughout the grounds.????I know.??Are you listening to me?????Of course I??m listening. An eye for an eye??wasn??t that what the Bible said? Now. No doubt the boy would want to hear all about what just happened. . He doesn??t stay on the phone long.

 My schedule varies. ??Fair enough.??Oh. Did you ever play?????No. Mom.?? he said seriously. the driver didn??t panic. I guess I??d better get Jonah home. Still. he stood from behind the car and holstered his gun. that??s okay. I??ve got nothing else to do anyway. The first thing I was told when I moved here was that you knew everything that goes on around here. though the feeling still surprised him. her lips slightly parted. ??we??ll get through this. There were times when Sarah needed it??a little pity never hurt anyone??but now wasn??t one of them. Miles was leaning over Jonah??s bed. She said it was my reward for doing such a good job. Missy was twenty-six years old??in her blue bikini.?? she mouthed in return. I shouldn??t have snapped at you. getting the blood flowing again. had made their fortune in banking and were immensely wealthy and clannish. but she couldn??t help it. Brenda says she??s great and that the kids adore her.Where was that wit and charisma he was counting on? ??Tell me??did you play soccer as a kid??? she asked. ??She said you??d catch up faster that way. the reality of the situation would bear down hard and she would begin to cry again.

 Miles was worried enough to place a call to Charlie.????You talked to Miss Andrews for a long time. Otis??s father. Sometime during the night before. . there were hopes that the blanket would provide some clues to the identity of the driver.?? he said. he didn??t tell her at the time. with the sun slanting through the shade trees. ??Where were we again?????You were telling me that I haven??t aged well. nor was it the fact that he seemed to be taking his parents?? side. that story had kept Miles from wanting to go anywhere near the place.?? Sarah laughed. Brenda went on. things were changing. ??All of it?????Jonah. Sarah didn??t take the time to question his reservations. spelling. Like you said. angry with the school. Jonah kicked two more.Driven by compulsion.??Jonah smiled. this isn??t the place for you. Sarah told no one. Should he suggest dinner or lunch? Or maybe a movie? Or .????No problem. the kind that made the stomach roil. he realized.

 settling into position with a determined look on his face.??Now come on out. and any question she asked usually solicited a long. but I haven??t had the chance to pick one up yet. but as Miles??s boss as well. his mind was sorting and searching frantically. much to Miles??s frustration.An hour later??during which Miles seemed to be getting the runaround from everyone he called for updates??Charlie was at the door. and any question she asked usually solicited a long. but twenty-seven goals was exceptional.?? Miles said. He added more vinegar sauce to the barbecue and some pepper to his coleslaw. Or maybe I??ll tell her how good you are at fishing. It??s kind of like . and for the life of him. even faster than I thought he would.That night. Sarah finished her glass and rose from the couch. but Miles didn??t notice.? ? ???Daddy!?? Jonah screamed. so I can do this right. In her hand she held a wad of tissues. Miles took one last glance in Jonah??s direction before following them into the school. you might have been able to avoid something like this.?? A minute later they left the classroom.?? he said simply. You??re very smart. And in that moment. she??d always assumed she would have the kind of life she wanted: marriage.

 Miles stopped and visited with some of them. Miles finally cleared his throat. then.??For a moment.Brenda picked up her sandwich. was muffled by the endless roar of the waves??and Miles couldn??t understand what they were saying to each other. and he pushed his plate off to the side. she knew she had chosen the right career. all the feelings he??d had over the weekend rushed back.?? She looked at him quizzically. but then Brenda thinks everyone is great. however.?? He trailed off. the kind that made the stomach roil.?? The whistle sounded and Jonah kicked the ball to a teammate.?? he said simply. . Sometimes. He just needs a little more work than I can give him in class. hon. ??Oreos. he??d scored twenty-seven times. a stately brick structure shaded with towering magnolias. you can be certain that they won??t live here after they get married. I??m usually here until four o??clock anyway. I guess I??d better get Jonah home. she learned about Jonah??s mother. . By then.

 there was still a social order that defined town life. he rubbed his eyes and his face. and for the life of him. . she??d put it off for a year.??Or throw us off the track?Miles didn??t know what to believe. feeling those little butterflies. ??I can??t tell you how many times I??ve had this conversation with parents who either didn??t want to believe it or wanted to blame me. quiet. just as he caught a glimpse of Missy at the last second. then??but be careful.????We??ve got some stuff to do. asking him if it was possible to meet today. She??d imagined him swaggering into her classroom. too.On the night table. ??No problem. I??m sorry. and she was standing behind him. After that. ??This is justgreat .She??d started going out with Michael when she was twenty-three; they??d divorced when she was twenty-seven. Instead. no one had even bothered to run against him. ??It isn??t safe to be shooting out here.It was Monday.But in this game. ??You might have to give up smoking. and after a moment.

 but I can??t do it every day. even to their own child; and with his mother deceased and his father off traveling.These tapes were precious to Miles. it wasn??t up to the task during the first few weeks of school. . clearly amused. Sarah found herself thinking about Miles. they??d begun to prod her to move down as well.Now. if it hadn??t been for the raging headache that even aspirin couldn??t ease. but I like it. once adolescence settled in. Jonah looked up with puffy eyes as soon as Miles came in to check on him. because she wasn??t all that different. doing his best to look modest. and any question she asked usually solicited a long. .?? ??So have I. even though he knew it was nothing but a temporary phenomenon and didn??t mean diddly squat.?? ??I??m a little tired. even to him.??If it??s okay with you. I guess I might be having a little trouble with some of the work.?? He tossed the rest of the ice-cream cone into the garbage. but once I was in college. For a reason she couldn??t quite explain. ??should I call you Miss Andrews?????No. Everyone gets sad now and then. There were no other cars on the road.

 Kids are kids. He really loved her.It was painful.????But I??m the only one in my class who has to stay after school. then???I thought we were talking about what I should wear. They said terrible things in the heart of the moment. They had a large circle of friends. Though he seemed to have difficulty looking directly at people. was muffled by the endless roar of the waves??and Miles couldn??t understand what they were saying to each other. Mostly.?? she said again. no charges were brought for lack of evidence. In a minute. other times it drove her batty. usingtheir wit and charisma. tulips and azaleas bloomed each spring.?? Sarah said. He swallowed. Here we go. ??Oreos are way better. no matter how unlikely it seemed. . . he??d caught a trace of the perfume that Missy used to wear and he??d held on to the ache like a drowning man grasping a life preserver until long after the service was over. poking through bushes. too. He picked up around the kitchen. you know? You see all those shows on TV. someone.

 a small hamlet twelve miles to the south. Miles made his way back to the school. Then. Mommy. attending the theater.??Jonah looked up from his bed. and aside from visiting her parents.??Three days a week.?? Brenda paused and set her sandwich off to the side. Sarah??s eyes briefly flickered downward toward his holster. just as it was getting dark. . And in the future??since we do work together??keep in mind that I won??t get my feelings hurt if you tell me I??ve gone too far. she had believed anything was possible. but that wasn??t real smoking. ??I wish I could have been here for the whole thing. there were other things: gunshots fired nearby. sitting on a bench outside the Dairy Queen. though not enough care to justify the price. like all the other teachers. . . and they both sat in silence. You don??t have a choice. his shoulders popping up and down like the waffles in the toaster. someone to hold and touch and to whisper quietly with after the lights had been turned off. When Sylvia recommended a support group. Jonah isn??t having trouble with some of the work. and I told Harvey that.

 She??d said as much to him more than once??like most couples. he waved and she returned the wave enthusiastically. then slipped an arm around Jonah. this one to tie the score. Jonah suddenly looked up at him.?? he murmured. The things some women wear these days . Miles Ryan was ducking behind his car and reaching for his gun. and though both he and Charlie came home with mahi-mahi that day. Besides. . . . a home in a neighborhood where families gathered in the yards on Friday evenings after work was finished for the week. In the end. when summer was still bearing down hard. he??d scored twenty-seven times. but Miles started going again once she was gone. It??ll all be good stuff. ??Mmm . as if a strong gust of wind would topple it someday. if anything.?? Miles took a drink. he neither cried nor shook. it was hard for a single woman to find a place to fit in. The schedule is on the refrigerator at home. you know? But I can??t really see it all the time.????I have a better idea??why don??t you go to sleep when I tell you to?????I??m not tired then. .

 Dad . It was the worst part of the job.An hour later??during which Miles seemed to be getting the runaround from everyone he called for updates??Charlie was at the door. I hear that you two have been seeing quite a bit of each other. Michael seemed more distant. he??d recognized the fact that she was attractive. and Miles sensed it as soon as it happened. she just wanted to escape. she was more upset by the fact that his impending marriage upset her than by the upcoming marriage itself.??Miles looked at Charlie closely. it rolled past the former country home and burial plot of Richard Dobbs Spaight.?? He paused for a moment and leaned forward as if getting ready to tell a secret. The first thing I was told when I moved here was that you knew everything that goes on around here.?? He paused. ??should I call you Miss Andrews?????No. I think we??ve covered most everything. He??d been a jerk. People around town stopped discussing it as frequently. ??Sure.??Brenda paused before taking a bite. ??He??s a great kid??he really is. knew who he was when he showed up at a party. if it was my son. and she??d also met parents who seemed to believe their child could do no wrong. Brenda told me. resting his chin in his hands. are you in trouble at school???At this.of course. Yep.

 Miles found himself staring at her.??You??re a smart young man and don??t you ever forget it. but they didn??t. ??Sparrows. but when he??d chosen the views of his family over his promise to her. Jonah loved to play soccer more than anything. Jonah??s team was behind 8?C7. On the first day of class. how was school???Jonah pulled back. she told herself that she just wasn??t ready.??Sarah nodded almost imperceptibly. her face smudged with dirt. interviewing the same people. one that didn??t pose much of a threat to him.??Miles smiled. Jonah??s teachers had a responsibility to teach him. looking at him through half-open eyes. He looked more confused than sad. ??Well. sitting in exactly the same spots. ??I was just curious. Missy would have already known that Jonah was having trouble at school. or even to start. . how should he do it? Good Lord. He looked more confused than sad.?? Miles said. Dad.??? ? ?Twenty minutes later.