Booktree.ng_Forgotten-Witness

another ten minutes but in that moment she was the focus of
his attention.
“It has been a pleasure, Ms. Bates. I do hope that Hannah
will find her way safely home.”
“I intend to see that she does,” Josie answered.
“I doubt there isn’t much you want that you don’t manage to
get,” Ambrose said.
“That is a true statement, Senator.”
“You see, even politicians tell the truth once in a while. I
will keep you in my prayers. We will do what we can.”
Josie took his prayers and his promise with a grain of salt.
She didn’t need either. Government’s wheels turned too slowly
to help and if God were smart he would watch over Hannah
like a hawk. If he didn’t, Josie would make sure there was hell
to pay even in heaven.
The senator withdrew his hand but Josie clasped his in both
of hers, feeling the need to keep him close. For the first time,
Patriota seemed to see her in all her complexity. There was
something in his expression – something so fleeting Josie
would be hard pressed to describe it – that told her she was not
imagining this nagging deja vu. But he was impatient so she
said the first thing that came to mind in order to keep the
dialogue going.
“I could help that man.”
Ambrose Patriota’s countenance turned brittle. Like a
children’s game, his left hand came atop hers. The senator, she
was sure, always made sure his hand was on top. It was that
person who made the rules and dominated the play. With a
slow smile, he let her go.
“Security will do anything that is necessary. Isn’t that
correct, Eugene?”
“Of course, Senator.” Eugene didn’t so much as blink but
Josie could feel his distaste for her.