Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

was coming, she would run away again.” Josie put her hands
out to plead with him. “And if we had called and I asked you
about Hannah, you would have said she wasn’t here. We never
would have come. I never would have known about my
mother. Tell me everything. Why is she here? How long has
she been here? Was she in an accident?”
Mr. Reynolds went around his desk and sat down. He was
shaken but to his credit he kept himself in check. He clasped
his hands and bounced them lightly on top of the desk.
“Before I answer any questions, I want you to know that I
am not your enemy. I am Emily’s advocate. You aren’t the
only one with questions, nor are you the only one who is
upset. I understood she had no family. I have never had
anything happen like this, and I am not happy about it.”
He unclasped his hands and adjusted the picture frames on
his desk. It was him with two grown ups she imagined were
his children, obviously sired by a Haole and a Hawaiian.
There was a baby picture in a frame that was hand painted
with the words ‘for grandpa’ but there was no picture of the
wife, nor did Reynolds’ wear a wedding ring. He did wear the
typical uniform of an island professional – khaki pants and a
Hawaiian shirt – but hadn’t left behind his mainland habits of
hard soled shoes, dress socks, and a watch. Now that the
picture frames were attended to, he seemed at a loss on how to
address his distress. Stephen helped him out.
“Mr. Reynolds. Perhaps I can get you something for your
nerves?”
“Nerves?” Reynolds repeated.
“By God, man, we all need a drink. Where do you keep the
booze?” Stephen barked.
“We don’t keep alcohol in this house,” Reynolds said.
“Maybe we should start.”
Josie interrupted. “I will be happy to give you any
information about me that you want, but right now I really
need some answers. First, what is this place?”