Introduction His wild red eyes looked round for Mark, but Mark was well hidden in ‘he long grass. Then he stood stil, put the gun to his mouth, closed his eyes and fired. ‘Mark Sway is in the woods near his home with his litle brother Ricky. They are hiding in the long grass and smoking cigarettes. A car drives up. The boys watch through the long grass as a man tries to kill himself with gas from the engine. They stop him, but he catches hold of Mark and pulls him into the car. As they sit there, the man drinks whisky and says that he is a lawyer. He works for the Mafia, criminal organisation, and he is in trouble. They have killed an important politician. The police are looking for the body and the man tells Mark where itis. Mark escapes from the car. The man comes out with a gun in his hand. The two boys are very frightened, but he can‘ find them, ‘Then he puts the gun in his mouth and shoots himself. Now Mark knows a secret and he doesn’t know what to do about it. His litle brother, Ricky, is in shock and has to go 0 hospital Mark is 11 years old. He has had to grow up fast. His mother, Dianne, left his father because he was often drunk and violent. She took Mark and Ricky with her. They don’t have much money and live in a poor part of town, Mark has to act as a father to his younger brother. He taught him to play football, to ride a bike and everything he knew about sex. He didn’t want to teach him to smoke, but he didn't want Ricky to try it alone. Now Mark and Ricky have seen and heard too much, Mark is aftaid of the Mafia if he talks to the police, but the police ‘want information from him. Mark finds himself in an adult world where none of the adults care about his problem, Slick Moeller is 1 newspaper reporter. He will do anything to get a story and he doesn't care if he puts Mark’ life in danger. Gill Teal is a lawyer, but he will only take on cases where he can make money. Mark hhasn’t got much money, so Teal isn’t interested. Roy Foltrigg is also 1 lawyer. He works for the government. He likes to see his fice on television and he likes to win cases. He isn’t worried about Mark, He only wants to find out where the body is. Jason MeThune and Larry Truman work for the FBI, the national police. They ask Mark some hard questions, and promise him harder ones ifhe doesn’t talk. Judge Harry Roosevelt is a good man and a fair one, but the law says that you have ¢o answer questions in court, and you have to tell the truth, These are the people on the right side of the law, and they'e bad enough, but the Mafia is also interested in Mark. A man with a knife promises to kill Mark, his mother and his litle brother if he tells che police anything, Mark needs a friend, and he finds one. Reggie Love isa lawyer, but rather unusual. She’ 52 years old but has only been in che job for five years, Before that, she had problems with drink and drugs, and her husband left her. Mark only has one dollar but that is enough for her. She is now his lawyer and he is her client. Anything he says tw her can stay a secret between them. But Mark still has to make some difficult decisions. Will he ‘make the right ones and stay alive? Will he find a way to protect himself and his fimily in this dangerous adult world that he is now living in John Grisham is one of the most popular American writers. He \was born in 1955 in Arkansas in the USA. He studied law at the University of Misisippi and left in 1981. He worked as a hwyer in a small town for almost ten years. He had many different typesof cients and he made notes about all his eases. In 1983 he became 2 politician in the Mississippi state government, where he served ‘until 1990, In 1984 he started his first book, A Time to Kill. The idea for it came from a case that he saw. He got up at 5 a.m. every day to rite, and it took three years to finish, For a while, he couldn't find 8 company that was interested in the book. Then, in 1988, a small ‘company printed 5000 copies, but these didn't sell very quickly. The day after he finished his frst book, he started work on his, second one, The Firm. This sold very well, and a film was made with Tom Cruise. John Grisham was able to give up law and write ‘The Pelican Brief This book sold mote than 11 million copies in the United States alone and also became a film with Julia Roberts, The Client, his fourth book, came out in 1993.The film appeared the following year. It has Brad Renfro as Mark Sway, Susan Sarandon as Reggie Love, Antony LaPaglia as Barry “The Blade’ Muldanno and Tommy Lee Jones as Roy Foltrigg, His books always have exciting stories with plenty of action, but they also allow Grisham to write about questions that interest his legal mind, and his characters always have to face difficult choices between right and wrong, like Mark in this story John Grisham has now written eighteen books and is one of the world’ best-selling writers. Many of his books are now films, and a large number are also Pearson English Readers. He now lives with his wife Renée and their two children ‘Ty and Shea. They live on a farm in Mississippi and on another in Virginia School was finished and Mark had four cigarettes in his pocket. ‘Other boys drank beer, and some tried drugs, but Mark just liked Cigarettes. Now his lle brother Ricky wanted his fist smoke, and Mack fle ervible The boys walked down a narrow path into the tees behind thie home, Home was a tiler in a trailer park in Memphis, Tennesee. Mom wasn’t back from work yet. Dad wasnt there either. Mom left him five years ago because he was always drunk and often violent, Now Mark seemed like Ricky’ father. An eleven-year-old fthet. He taught Ricky to play football to ride a bike, and everything he new about sex, but he didn't want to teach him to smoke, it there suid Mark, when they reached his scere hiding place. ‘And les hear the rules again! Ricky knew them both, ‘If tell anyone, you'l hit me! That’ right? “And I can smoke only one a day? That’ right. If catch you smoking more, or if you sart dvinking beet... “You'll hit me hardes? “Right, said Mark.‘Now watch me, Ie really easy.) Ricky was soon busy blowing smoke like a man. Mark sat next to him and lie another cigarette. ‘I was nine when I started’ he sad “You're only eight. You'te too young” Ricky didn’t answer. He was listening to something. Then Mark heard i too, and they stopped smoking, Just st sill’ Mark ssid sof. “Through the tees they could see an old road, which nobody used any more. A long, black ear appeared on the road and eame slowly across the rough ground, It made a circle, then stopped. Soon the engine stopped too.‘Hes trying to kill himself’ said Mark Hidden in the long grass behind the car, the boys watched the car.Aftera few minutes a fat man got out. ‘What's he doing?’ Ricky whispered. The man had a rubber tube, He put one end into the tal pipe of the car, and the other end through a window. He got into the car, closed the window as tight she could and started the engine Het erying to kill himself} said Mark.“T saw a man do it ike this ina film once “How long does it take? Not very long” said Mark, ‘but I'm going to stop him: Mark crawled to the cat, pulled away the tube and crawled back. ‘Quick, leds get out of here; said Ricky. Suddenly the man got out of the car again. He had a bore of whisky and a gun, and he was crying. Lets get out of here! said Ricky again, urgently. Mark watched quietly. The man looked at the tube, he looked sround, then he put the tube back into the tal pipe, He got back into the car with his whisky. ‘Mark, please, les go’ said Ricky, and began to ery. T'l try one more time; said Mark. Ricky watched his brother crawl forward again, and then the ‘man saw Mark. He fell out of the car and litle...,” he shouted, as he hit Mark. "Get into the car! Ricky, in shock and fear, wer himself The man pushed Mark into the car and hit him laughed. ‘My name’ Jerome Clifford ~ Romey to my friends in. Then he ‘What's yours? Mark; said Mark. Romey laughed, Here’ he said. “Take the whisky, son, Lets die together: Mark took the bottle and pretended to drink. He smelled gas. He looked at the gun on the seat “We'll be dead in five minutes? said the man, .‘Mark looked in the mirror and saw Ricky crawling towards the back of the car."Why are you doing this? he asked. ‘Give me the whisky’ said the man, ‘Mark looked at the man. Ifhe gets drunk he might go to sleep,he thought. He passed the whisky ‘IeS because of the body’ said the man. Ie’ at my house. I'm a lawyer. My client killed a senator. The FBI* is looking everywhere for his body and my client hid it in my garage. Can you believe it? Right there, Mark smelled the air again. No gas nov, thanks to Ricky." Who's your client, Romey?’ he asked. inder my boat!" Barry the Blade; said Romey.“He’s a member of the Mafia? in New Orleans. Now he wants to kill me because I know about the body. But he can't because the gas will kill us first? He laughed, and drank more whisky Soon he was drunk and asleep. Mark gently opened the car doot and ran to where Ricky was hiding. I pulled the tube out said Ricky in a high voice Mark lita cigarette and watched the car. Suddenly the door fell ‘open and the lawyer came out with the gun in his hand. He saw the tube and started screaming. His wild ted eyes looked round for ‘Mark, but Marke was well hidden in the long grass. Then he stood still, put the gun in his mouth, closed his eyes and fired, Ricky made a low noise, like an animal in pain, and ran. Mark looked at the dead man and thought, Here’ trouble? He followed Ricky home. When he got there he called 911 for the Police. He knew that every 911 call was recorded. “There's a body on the old road behind Tucker Trailer Park on Highway 17, he said * Senators. inthe USA. ae members of government "The FBI is the USA’ national erime-fightng body The Mafia isa secret crime group which began in Sicily and arranges many criminal activites in the USA “Theres a body on the old road behind Ticker Trailer Park on Highway 17,'said Mark‘We need your name, son! ‘Mark said nothing, and put the phone down, Chapter 2 In Trouble with the Cops Ricky was sick. He seemed to be crying, but there were no tears His skin was cold and wet. His thumb was in his mouth, his eyes ‘were open and his body was shaking. Mark was worried. He remembered a television programme: about some kids who saw a horrible accident, After that their ‘dhumbs were in their mouths like babies fora year. “Mark, said his mother.'How did you cut your face?” ‘Mark didn’t want to lie to his mother, but he didn't want co tell hier about the man with the gun either. “Ie along story, Mom he sai, Dianne sighed and bit her nails. They were sitting ina small room in Se Peter’ hospital. She lit a cigarette and watched her younger son. When she got home from work and saw Ricky she had called the family doctor. He had called an ambulance immediately. Now they were waiting for a hospital doctor to look at Ricky. Ie was past supper time and Mark was restless. He opened the door.‘ go and get us a hamburger, Mom, he sai. ‘Mark stepped outside the room and a hand grabbed him. He looked up into the face of a copt “Mark Sway? asked the cop. Mark nodded, “We've found the body" suid the cop, “What body?" said Mark, “Come on Mark, we know you live in Tucker Trailer Park. You ‘made the call, didn’ you?" Mark wanted to lie, but he said, * kis a common word for ‘hildren™ * cop's a common word fr“policeman’ 6. ‘Well Mark, lets go and get those hamburgers said the cop, and hhe took Mark down to the hospital eafe. How did you find the body, Mark?” ‘My brother and I were playing in the trees? Did you take any drugs? ‘No, sir? "But you were smoking stid the cop. "We found your dead cigarettes, Stay away from drugs, son! Yes, sit? ‘Did you see the man before he shot himself?” ‘No, sie? So you just found him dead. Have you ever seen a dead body before?” ‘Only on TW’ The cop smiled. Kids saw everything on television these days. “What happened to your face?’ he asked, got in a fight at school, The other kid started it! “The other kid always does. What’ his name?” ‘Well, [might want t0 talk to him, said the cop. ‘Now tell me, why didn’t you give your name to 911? ‘don't know” ‘Come on Mark, you must know why? “I don’t know. Afiaid, | guess’ Mark tried to look very young, and innocent. ‘Do you think I'm lying?” “I don't know, kid. Your story is full of holes? said the cop."L think you were there, smoking, in the trees, and I think you saw the whole thing. That’s why your brother’ in shock, isn't it? Thar’ why you're afraid?” ‘Mark’ heart stopped and his blood ran cold, He tried to seem calm, His hands were shaking so he sat on them. Things were happening too fast. Could he go to prison? Could Ricky go mad? He needed time to think.‘How did you find the body, Mark?? Eat your food now? said the cop."Weid better get back to your Mom. You can bring your Coke with you. Chapter 3. Evidence News of Jerome Clifford’ death travelled fast to the Mafia in New Orleans. His client, Barry Muldanno, was not sorry, but he was worried. Barry the Blade, or simply The Blade as he liked to be called, wore shiny suits and a lot of gold. Barry enjoyed a fast life, and liked people to be afraid of him. His lawyer certainly was, and that’s why he killed himself Barry liked to spend hours on his long, black hair. His face was fen in the newspapers these days, because of the trial. He had killed a senator, and his trial for murder was to take place in four weeks. Barry was not worried about the trial, because nobody ‘ould find the senator's body. Without the body, who could prove a murder? Jerome Clifford was a good Mafia lwyer, but Barry had ffightened him, He told Romey where the body was hidden, He told him the body was under Romey’ own boat, in his own garage. What a joke! But then Romey had disappeared, and now he was dead. Barry needed a new lawyer quickly and was already on his way to Memphis to find out more. He hated flying, so his car was fitted Roy Foltrigg also knew about the death with phones and television and even a fax machine. He had a driver ‘ould work as he travelled. He hoped to arrive in Memphis by midnight. Foltrigg was a US government lawyer. His job was to prove that Barry Muldanno killed the senator, but where was the body? 9Maye there would be some evidence in Memphis. Maybe Clio Chapter 4 Lawyers and FBI Men had known something, sad something. Mork was thinker and a worrier. When he couldn slep he went for long secret walks. ¢ started when his mother and father were fighting. He wore dark clothes and left the miler to-move like | thief through the night. He saw lovers and he sw crime. He learned mach, but he never told, He loved to st on che hill abowe the tier park and enjoy a quiee smoke. He was glad to find peace hen he got home Now his mother and his brother were asleep in the hospital Jom, but Mark was still awake. He watched them sleep for twenty ninutes,and then got bored, He was not afd ofstrange places. He {quiely covered his mother with a blanket and left the room. The Jnl was quiet and empty. He took the lift down to the caf ‘There were two people at one of the tables, One was in a wheel- ‘hit The other was offering him a white card "My name's Gill Teal he said with a big smile. “Did you have an Jecident? Maybe I can help you! ‘The other man didn't smile, ‘Road accident! he said. “Two Jyoken legs? Mark could see he was in pai. "Well said Gill Tel.‘Tm a lawyer and maybe you have a case Who hit your” The other man looked atthe lawyer careflly.‘Ie was an Exxon ry he sid,‘He didn't stop at a red light reat said Gill Teal. Tve got money ffom Exxon before. What Jive you got—two broken legs? I can get you six hundred thousand lars for that? “I talked to another lawyer today. He said he could get me a . ‘Another man wanted to know more about Jerome Clifford’ dea too. He was a crime reporter who worked on the Memphis Pr He wanted a story for the morning newspaper, and he didn't ca how he got it, Slick Moeller’ real name was Alfted, but nobody knew i Everyone called him Slick. Crime was his life, He knew everyor talked to everyone, and never named anyone who trusted him wit scerets. He often knew about a crime before the cops. He kne them all, and drank coffee with them in all-night coffee bar had spent the morning at their head office, and now he was in Peter's hospital. Slick knew there was something interesting about this death. “lifford was Barry Muldanno’s lawyer. He knew R. Foltrigg, was coming to town. He knew about the two boys, that one of them was in’shock. And he knew some things that M: didn’t know. Jerome Clifford had left a note which nobody coul read, And there were strange fingerprints on his whisky bottle. knew: + ‘The FBI now controlled the case. Two FBI detectives waited Roy Foltrigg. One was Jason McThune, FBI Memphis, and other was Larry Trumann, FBI New Orleans. They had the de: ‘man’s car and all the other evidence. They knew someone had bet in the car with Jerome Clifford because there were fingerprints the whisky bottle. “Whose are they?’ said Truman. “Maybe the kid's’ said MeThune."How can we check?” “Tl get you his Coke bottle; said one of the cops."You can ched that! “He's lying? said Gill Teal, “Trust me. Bue maybe we can get mote. Are you married? Have you got kids? ‘Three kids; said the man, He looked tired. ‘Great? said Gill Teal. For a family we can get more. Five +10 uhundred a month until you get back to work. Look, choose me an you'll get the best, I promise TM think about it} said the man, ‘Can [call you tomorrow?’ said the lawyer “No! said the man, "I said I'd think about ie? Gill Teal got up. ‘OK, he said, you think about it. You've god my card He shook hands and lef. ‘The man in the wheelchair pushed himself away. leaving the card oon the table. When he hadl gone Mark took the card. He looked a the name and the address. He pur the card in his pocket and sat back to watch the television, Roy Foltrigg liked to be on television. He reilly enjoyed those ‘moments when the cameras were waiting for him. Just at the right moment he would arrive, walking quickly, holding his hand up like a very important man who would love to answer questions but just didn't have the time, He spent many pleasant moments watching videos of himself arriving at important places. Tonight, however, there were no cameras, and no reporters when he arrived at the FBI offices in Memphis. It was after ‘midnight. son MeThune and Larry Truman introduced. themselves. ‘There was only one chair, and Foltrigg took it. McThune explained the faets quickly: He cold Foltrigg about finding the ear, what was im it, the gun, the time of death, and about Mark Sway."Mark and his younger brother found the body and told the police. They live about half a mile away in a trailer park. The younger kid is in hospital now. He’ in shock. His mother, Dianne, is with him, and Mark is there too. He’ lying” ‘What's he lying about?" asked Foltrigg “He says he arrived after Clifford shot himself, but we don’t believe him; said MeThune. First, his fingerprints are all over the _MeThumne told Foltrigg about finding the car, what was in i the gus, the time of death, and al Mark Sw.cat, inside and out. They'te on Jerome’ whisky bottle, and they’ om the tail pipe too! “How did you check his prins? asked Foltriga. “Off a bottle of Coke he drank tonight! sid MeThune. ‘Ne we found three cigarettes near the ear. We think the boys wei having a quiet smoke when Clifford arrived, They hid and watches him. Maybe they pulled his tube from the til pipe. Were not su and the kids aren‘ telling. The litle boy can't talk just now, bu wete sure Mark i ying” “What about Clifford? asked Folerigg, “We checked his blood: continued MeThune, He was drun! and fall of drugs too. We can't know what he was thinking. We know he let New Orleans in the morning, and we think he bought the gun here in Memphis? “Why Memphis?” “Hee was born here said MeThune. Maybe he wanted to where he was born. He let a note’ he added, picking up apiece paper.“t tells his secretary what to do afier his death. We coulda find che pen that wrote'it! Foltrigg took it from him and read it What this atthe bottom: he asked. “The ink is differen. Ie says “Mark, Mark where are.. buc I can’t read the rest” ‘Right’ said MeThune."We can’t read that bit either. We foun the second pen in the car, so maybe Clifford used it there, but h 'was too drunk to write clearly? Foltrigg listened with his mouth open. ‘So shat does it mean? he asked. “Theres no Mark in Cliford’ family? suid McThune, “We checked. So we think the note is for Mark Sway. But how did he know Mark's name unless he talked to him?” “Why would the kid li? Because he's affid, sid MeThune.“We think he was in the car We think he and Clifford talked about something. At some point the kid lef che car. Clifford tried to add something to the note and then shor himself? Foltrigg’s mouth was open again, ‘Maybe the kid's affaid because Clifford told him something he doesn’t need to know! finished MeThune. Foltrigg shut his mouth, put the note on the desk and cleared his throat. Have you talked to the kid?” he asked. ‘Not yet! said McThune. “We'll do that frst thing in the morn- ing. We like to talk to his lite brother too, but we'll have to ask his doctor! “Ta like to be there’ sid Foltrigg, thinking about the body."‘We ‘must know everything Mark Sway knows! Chapter 5 In the Hospital Mark was asleep in front of the television when a nurse found him next morning. She gave him some orange juice and took him to Ricky's room. Dr Greenway is here she said,'and he wants to see you! Dianne looked tired, She stood atthe foot of Ricky’ bed and her hands were shaking. Mark stood next to her,and she put her arm on his shoulder. They watched as the doctor touched Ricky's head and spoke to him. Ricky's eyes were closed “He doesn't hear you, Doctor’ Dianne said finally. She didn't like the way Greenway was using baby talk. Greenway continued touching and talking. Dianne had tears in her eyes. Mark, smelled fiesh soap and noticed her hair was wet. She had changed her élothes too, but there was no make-up. Greenway stood straight. ‘A very bad case? he suid, staring at Ricky’ closed eyes. ‘What's next? said Dianne, "We wait! sid the doctor.'He'll wake up, and when he does its 4 15very important that you are in this room, He must see his mother when he opens his eyes. Do you understand?” I'm not leaving! said Di Greenway looked at Mark. "You can come and go a bit, but its best if you stay here as much as possible too. Mark nodded his head, but he knew he would get bored. Have you seen cases like this before® asked Dianne. Greenway looked at Ricky and decided to tell the truth. He hook his head.“Not quite this bad, he said."But I'm not worried. Ricky will be allright. IU just take some t newspaper from his bag. ‘Here’ my phone number! he said. ‘If 1e’ He took a card and a Ricky wakes up, tell the nurses and they'll c Okay? Dianne took the card and nodded. Greenway opened the he asked, ‘me immediately. hnewspaper.‘Have you seen thi No) she answered, Well you'd better read it. Its about Mr Clifford Matk looked at the paper and saw’a big photo of Romey. Under neath the photo he read: MAFIA LAWYER SHOOTS HIMSELF. The word ‘Mafia’ jumped at Mark, and suddenly he felt sick Greenway leaned forward and spoke sofily to Dianne.‘It seems that Mr Clifford was a well-known lawyer in New Orleans. He was working on a murder case. The police and the FBI are downstairs They want to talk to Mark? Why?’ asked Dianne. Its a big case, The murdered man was a senator, You'll understand more when you read this story. Then you can talk to them? No; said Mark suddenly. Dianne and Greenway looked at him. ‘I don’t want to talk to them, stid Mark.I ~I might get like Ricky if I have to talk about it he added. Keep them away for now! said Dianne. “Have you seen cases like this before?" asked Dianne 7“All right; said the doctor. ‘I'l keep them away until wel Now don't worry. Just stay by this bed until I come back” Greenway lef. Dianne ran to the bathroom with the newsp: and lit a cigarette. Mark turned on the television by Ricky's and found the news programme. Nething but weather and spor Dianne came back into the room. ‘Clifford’ client killed United States senator’ she said slowly. ‘Lwonder why he did that} said Mark, because he could think nothing different to say. ‘Ie says Jerome Clifford worked for the New Orleans Mafia, they think his client is a member’ Mark had seen film about the Mafia on television. His hes jumped, and he felt pains in his stomach, “I'm hungry, Mom. Are you hungry?" “Why didn’t you tell me the truth, Mark?” ‘I'm sorry, Mom. I planned to tell you when we were alone!” Dianne looked sad and tired. You never lie to me Mark’ ‘Tm really hungry, Mom. Can we talk about this later? Give mi some money and I'll run down to the cafe and get us something eat. Don't you want some coffee?" Luckily Dianne wasn't ready for a serious talk yer. She open her purse and gave him five dollars. Mark took the money and pi it in his pocket. “You know where the cafe is?” asked Dianne. He nodded. 1 careful she said, and sat down again to watch Ricky. Mark left dl room. He needed time to think. Chapter 6 Reggie Love ‘As Mark ate his breakfast in the café he looked at Gill Tea’ ca He knew what he needed to do. He took some coffee back to his mother and gave her a kiss 418 ‘m going to look around the hospital for a bit! he told her, nd lef the room again. He asked the nurses for a phone book tnd looked at the city map. Gill Teal’ office was not far away. Then he went downstairs again and left the hospital by a back oor. Mark walked quickly: It was Tuesday and he was the only kid on the street. He didn’t want anyone to ask why he wasnt at school. (iil Teas building was old and very tall. He entered the lift with a frovid of others and went to the third floor. When he got out he was in a long hall with a lot of doors. He lvied to walk calmly, looking at the names on the doors. They Were all lawyers, but he wanted Gill Teal. At the end of the hull he found the right door. The words GILL TEAL ~ THE puore’s LawyER were painted on it. Three people waited by the oor. Mark entered the office. Itwas crowded with sad, sick people, just like the hospital. Mr Teal certainly had a lot of clients. "What do you want?’ said someone rudely. Mark answered sofily Td like to see MrTeal’ ‘Does he know you?” “No, ma’am? “Did you have an accident? ‘No, ‘Well, you'ee in the wrong place. Why do you need a lawyer?” ts private? said Mark Look, kid, you see al these people? They're all waiting to see Mr ‘Teal. He’ a very busy man, and he only takes accident cases? ‘Okay! said Mark. He was glad to leave the crowded office. He look the stairs and walked around the second floor. More lawyers. He passed a few of them in the hall. They were too busy to notice him Suddenly he saw a policeman coming towards him. The next door had REGGIE LOVE ~ LAWYER painted on it in small letters. 19Mark quickly opened the door and stepped inside. There was gla lable, some magazines, soft music, and three chairs ~ and nobody A young man with a tie but no jacket sat behind a desk. May I eestor : ERLE] Bf help you?” he said quite pleasantly Vd like to see a lawyer Aren't you a bit youn ‘es, but I'm having some problems. Are you Mr Love? No, I'm Clint. 'm Reggi Then I need to see Reggie! stid Mark What’ your nam Mark Sway! asked the secretary. ‘Are you in trouble, Mark? Yes: What type of trouble? You need to tell me alittle bit about it,or Reggie won't talk t0 you. Well said Mark, ‘I have to talk to the FBI at twelve, nd I think I need a lawyer This was good enough. Clint went away for a moment, then aime back. He took Mark to the lawyer’ office This is Mark Sway” he sid Hello Mark, said the wyer.‘I'm Reggie Love! Mark looked at the lawyer in surprise. Reggie Love was a Chapter 7 Lawyer and Client sgie Love was fifty-two years old, and had been a lawyer for only five years. The first thing that Mark noticed about her was her hui. Te was gray, and very short ~ shorter than his. Her eyes were “Hello Mark said the lawyer Tm Reggie Love reen and she wore round, black glasses. Her dress was black too. She put out her hand and Mark shook it,“Would you like something to drink?’ she asked him, "No, ma'am? She crossed her legs. ‘Mark Sway, right? Please don't call ma‘am. I'm old enough to be your grandmother, but you can ¢: me Reggie, okay?" “Okay “How old are you Mark? Tell me alittle about yourself? ‘I'm eleven. I go to school at Willow Road’ “Why aren't you in school this morning, Mark?” “Ids. long story? “Clint said you have to meet the FBI at twelve today. Is this true “Yes, said Mark. “They want to ask me some questions at hospital” “The hospital?" She took out a piece of paper and a pen. “Ies pare of the long story. Can I ask you something, Reggie?” ‘was strange calling this lady by a man’s, name, “Sure; she said with a smile, “IL tell you something, will you ever repeat it?” “Of course not? eee “Only if you tell me I can repeat it. Talking with a lawyer is li talking to your doctor. What we say is secret, and held in trust. D you understand?” “What if tell you something that no one but me knows?” “‘Lcan’t repeat it? “Something the police really want to know?" “I can’t repeat it she said again. ‘Any more questions?” “Yes, Where did you get the name Reggie?” “My name used co be Regina. was married to a doctor. Then sorts of bad things happened and my husband lefé me. I changed iy name to Reggie and became a lawyer! “My father lefe my mother? ‘Tm sorry! “Don't be sorry. My brother and I were really happy about it. He drank a lot and hit us. He hit Mom too, Me and Ricky always hated him. "Ricky's your brother?" ‘Yes. He's the one in hospital” "What's the matter with him?” Its part of the long story’ “Would you like to tell me this story?" Mark was silent. He wasn't ready to talk yet. "Are you affaid, Mark?” “A bit. One person is dead. One is in the hospital. The police and the FBI want to talk to me! “Look, Mark} she said. ‘First you have to pay me something nd then I'm your lawyer. I guess you don't have much money, do your” Mark pulled a dollar from his pocket and handed it to her. “This Wall 've gor? She put the dollar on the desk and said, ‘Okay, now I'm the lnwyer and you're the client. Lets hear the story’ Mark took a long breath and looked at the floor. He told her shout Ricky and the cigarettes and the car and the man. Reggie oked questions and wrote everything down, Mark told her every~ thing except what Romey had said about the body. ‘An hour afier they started Reggie took a break. Clint brought 2 newspaper and she read the story twice. Then she read her notes sain. Mark walked around the office as she read, His hwyer looked very worried, and he nearly felt sorry for her. He really liked her, He sat down again. “What are you affaid of, Mark? she suid at lat. “Lots of things. I've lied to the police and I think they know it. ‘My litle brother's very sick because of me. haven't told the truth {to his doctor either. 1 don’t know what to do, and that’s why I'm here. What should T do?” 23‘0tde. Ie was almost twelve and clearly nobody was thinking of the necting with the FBI Reggie said thoughtfully,"Have you told me everything?” “Almost? “Have you lied to me?" ‘No! “Do you know where the body is?” “I think so. I know what Jerome Clifford told me? ‘Do you want to tell me where iti? she asked slowly. ‘I'm not sure, said Mark. ‘I'm afraid to tell. don't want anyo to know that | know about the body. Romey told me his lient ki people. He’ in the Mafia, and if he thinks I know this secret, he’ ‘want to kill me too, But the cops and the FBI want to talk to m Do you think I should tell them?" Reggie stood and walked slowly to the window: She wasn't su Mark was safe now, but would he be safe if he told? “Lets do this, Mark. Don' tell me where the body is. May Jater, but not now. And let's meet with the FBI and listen to thes You don’t have to say a word. ll do the talking. And after that we decide what to do next? “Sounds good to me? “Okay! said Reggie. “Please call your mother and tell her we' ‘coming’ She checked her watch and put more paper in her b ‘V'm ready! she said, But she looked nervous. Ricky opened his eyes again and seemed to notice his ‘mother. She kissed him again and again, and smiled through her (oan, “He woke up about ro hours ago’ the doctor explained, But fhe not taking yet? Mark was glad about that. He didn’t want Ricky to stat talking shout Clifford. Not yer. “Iphe going to be okay?* he asked. ‘V think so’ said the doctor. "But itl take time. Where's the rest ‘of your family? Your mother needs help” ‘here's only us} suid Mark." What about the FBI?" ‘She can‘ tak to them now! said Greenway. ‘But they're waiting (oF you. They said its serious? ‘Ws okay’ said Mark. “I'm ready for them. I've got us a lawyer? lawyer? said Greenway, surprised. How’ that?” ‘WV found her this morning’ said Mark proudly. ‘Don't worry. ‘You take care of Ricky and Mom, and me and the lawyer'll take fais ofthe FBL . Hhegeic found an empty room. They were ten minutes late for the seeing, but she wanted to do something first. ‘Pall up your shirt, she said quickly. She opened her bag and took out a small black recorder. She ‘hheeked the recorder and tie it w Marks waist. Mark pulled down Wis shire. Perfect sid Reggie.‘Lets go down? ‘The meeting was on the second oor, in room 28. Reggie Chapter 8 The Interview ‘What Mark saw in the hospital room frightened him at first. Dian was in the bed, holding Ricky and kissing his head. He was movi and making strange noises. His eyes were open, then shut. ‘I ‘okay, baby’ said Dianne again and again. "Ie okay. Mommy's her ‘Mommy's here? Greenway stood close by. A nurse was on the other side of bbed. No one noticed Mark as he came in. Reggie was waitin ‘hecked the recorder again and turned it on.*Now go’ she said.“T'll ‘wait out here. Just remember what I told you. 24Mark took a deep breath and knocked on the door. jdde and closed the d “Come in; someone said. He sep} ‘Three men faced him. They were not ‘You must be Mark; said one." Where's your mother?” “Who are you?’ said Mark Trumann and McThune introduced themselves. Foltrigg sta silent."Have a seat, Mark; said Tramann, ‘Well Mark, we really wanted to see your mother too! “She's with my brother’ said Mark. ‘She can't come to Maybe this can wait until she can come? really need to talk now. Let’ talk a few minut re you nervous?” Mark."What do you want?” ‘We want to ask you some questions about yesterday’ Do I need a lawyer?” The detectives looked at each other in surprise. Of course n Ie just afew questions, that’ all “already talked to a cop’ stid Mark.'Last night? “We're not cops’ said MeThune.' We're FBI “That's why I'm nervous. Maybe I do need a lawyer: “What for?" “To protect my rights. The men smiled at each other.*You've been wat TV, kid} said McThune. "You don't need a l “Well, can't we wait until my mother can be here ing too mu They smiled again. Not really, Mark. We can wait if we have but you're a clever kid and we're in a hurry. We just have a f questions for you! Okay’ said Mark. “IFT have to’ ‘Right. First, was Jerome Clifford already dead when you at Ricky found he car yesterday?” 26 ‘Mark, was Jerome Cl wher you and Rid“Do I have to answer the question?” "Yes. We need to know the truth, Mark? "What happens if don't answer?" “Oh, lots of things. We could take you down to our office and, some really hard questions? “Could my mother get into trouble?” “Maybe! “What kind of trouble?” ‘Now the men began to look nervous. They knew they shoul talk to children without first talking to theie parents. But they trying. “Mark, if a person knows about a crime and doesn't tell police or the FBI they might be punished. You know, go to pris ‘or something like that? ‘So if I don't answer your questions, me and Mom might go prison? ‘The men looked at each other again."Why don't you want answer the question, Mark? Are you hiding something?" “T'm just afraid; said Mark. ‘I'm just eleven years old and you the FBI, and my Mom’s not here’ ‘Truman sat forward and looked serious. “Mark, Jerome Clifford already dead when you and Ricky fou him?" “I need to go to the bathroom; said Mark, and got up, “Okay Mark, take five minutes. We'll wait! Mark lefé the room and closed the door behind him. . ‘The men waited patiently. They knew Mark would talk. Bi when the door opened again it wasn't Mark. They stood up surprise. “Keep your seats’ said the lady who walked i “Who ate you?’ one asked rudely."We're in a meeting” 28 having i ‘Vim Regie Love; she said.'I'm Mark Sway’s lawyer? ‘The men looked shocked, and sat down again. ‘Now? said Reggie. Did you try to tak to my client when his other wasn’t with him?" ‘Nof said Trumann. ‘Motells me you dia? ‘Me came here alone’ said MeThune quickly. “We were jut ly alk while we waited for her? Aid you tell Mark he should talk toa lawyer? “We maybe joked about chat! said McThune, ‘Mark didn’ ask you ifhe needed a lawyer?” Whey shook their heads, “Did you advise him of his rights?” FOF course not. He’ not a criminal, He’ just a kid? Tepe slowly opened her bag and took out the black reconder ‘Whall here, boys, she said. Do you want to hear it? You tried to {question him without his mother present. You told him he didn't fieed lawyer. You didn cell him his rights, and you said he goto prison. ight ‘The 100m was silent, ‘Well, boys, from now on I want the truth from you she sad. ‘Now tell me what you want to know from my client? ‘They told her. “I see! said Reggie. "You boys really need the body don't you, ‘ad you think Mark can help, Well, I'l tlk to him some more and Pil aneet you in my office around three ‘Thank you, Ms Love; said MeThune politely. “Iv Reggie? said Reggie. ‘Just call me Reggie? 29Chapter 9 The Reporter Barry Muldanno was pleased with his new lawyer. He was clever and he was quick. When the lawyer showed him a copy of the ‘Memphis newspaper, Barry went to see his uncle Johnny. Johnay ‘was head of the Mafia in New Orleans,and it was time for Barry to explain a few things. First he explained about the senator's body. Unele Johnny was not amused. Then he explained about telling Jerome Clifford "So what? said Johnny"Clifiord’s dead now! ‘Then Barry explained about the two boys who found: him, “What if Romey told them about the body?’ said Barry. Uncle Johnny became angry. ‘You've done a supid: thing, Barry’ he said. ‘Now what are you going to do about ie “I nced to send a killer to Memphis; said The Blade. *You'te going to kill the boys? asked his uncle. “Maybe yes, maybe no’ suid Barry:Frst we need to know if they know something?” “Send Gronke} sid his uncle. Back in Memphis, Slick Moeller was pleased with his work. The morning newspaper carried his first story about Clifford’ death, Now he wanted more news. Slick walked around the hospital looking for people who would. talk to him, He found a cleaner. The cleaner was pleased to talk toa reporter and told him which room the boys were in, He also told hhim the police had been there. “The FBI have been here all day too, sai the cleaner. the family’s got a lawyer. Reguie someone. Don't know his other 1d now 30 ’S room until Mark came out. “How's your brother? he asked in a friendly way. “He's doing great’ said Mark."Who are you?" ‘Tm a reporter? said Slick. ‘'m working on a story about Glifford. The cops say you know more about it than you're telling? “When's the story coming out? asked Mark, “Maybe tomorrow; said Slick. ‘Mark felt sick. ‘I'm not answering any questions.” “That's fine’ said Slick, and walked away. Mark sat down in a quiet corner and began to cry. Ricky was quiet again. His thumb was back in his mouth, and his eyes were closed. Dianne turned as Mark came into the "Who's this lawyer, Mark?” she asked. Why do we need her?" ‘T'm frightened, Mom, There are cops allover the place, and the FBI, and now there are reporters wanting to tlk to me. We need a lawyer? “Lawyers don't work for nothing, Mark “Don’t worry, Mom. paid her a dollar? “She working for a dollar? She must be a great hwyer, What has she done so far?” “She met the FBI today, and shes meeting them again now. She's coming to talk to you tonight. Mom, I need to tell you some things about me and Ricky! ‘And Mark told Dianne what he and Ricky had seen. “That's why Ricky’ in shock; said Mark. Will you explain to Dr Greenway? It might help him to help Ricky “Okay! std Dianne."You've done nothing wrong, trying to help that man. But why did you lie to the doctor?” uM‘Whos this lawyer, Mark?” she asked, ‘Why do we need her?” “Tell him I only just remembered) suid Mark “Tell him Twas in shock too, bit like icky. But now I remember Tl tll him said Dianne Chapter 10. The Mafia Arrive The photos in Wednesday’ newspaper were from the Willow Road schoolbook. They were a year old, but they were the best Slick could find. Under the photos were their names. Mark Sway. Ricky Sway. The story told more about Clifford’ death, and said Ricky was in shock at St Peter’ Hospital. The story also said a lot about Matk — how he called 911 but dida’t give his nan FBI wanting to talk to him. “You're famous; sad nurse, giving Matk the newspaper. bout his fingerprints in the carand about the “What ist” said Mark, suddenly seeing his own face. He read the story slowly. “This is bad he thought. "Now the Mafia knows where to find me: Mark was on his way to the café for breakfast. He gave the paper back and walked to the lift. The door opened and he stepped in. I was empey I was sill early At floor number eight the lif stopped and a man stepped in. He wore a white coat and jeans, Mark didnt look at him. He was tired ‘of meeting new peopl. TThe door closed and suddenly the man grabbed Mark, He had a e. He pushed his horrible face near Marks, “Listen to me, Mark Sway’ he said.‘[ don’t know what Jerome Clifford told you, but ifyou repeat a single word oft, even to your lawyer, I'l kill you. And I'l kill your mother and your litle broth ki sronke was doing his job well. Mark was white with fear.He had a knife. He pushed his horvible ice near Mark’. “Lknow where you live? continued the man.“And I know where you go to school. You can't escape me, understand? Mark's eyes were suddenly wet. He nodded yes, yes, yes ‘The lif was stopping again.*And if you tell anyone about me get you, tid the man, and he disappeared, Reggie reached her office at nine, Clint made her a cup of coffee and gave her the morning newspaper. “Coffee's excellent she said, a8 she opened the paper and saw Mark's picture. Suddenly Mark himself was in the room, wet for the rain and out of breath ats the matter, Mark? she asked. Hows Ricky? “He's okay’ said Mark.'Have you seen today’s paper? T've just read i she said. Does it worry you” “Of course it does? Cine came into the room with a hot drink for Mark, Mark thanked him and warmed his hands on the cup. “Are you ready to meet the FBI at ten’ asked Reggie. ‘Tm nor sure I want to talk to them: ‘Okay, you don't have to, You look frightened, Why? ‘What would happen to me if I never told anyone what 1 You've told me’ Yes, but you're my lawyer. And I haven't told you everything — not where the body is. “Lknow; Mark “So what happer Reggie had bes answer Yesterday 3 would try everything possible to get Mark to talk. lie could save Mark. One simple le. But she was lawyer and she could not advise him to lie, Poor kd, if never tell? thinking about this all night,but she still had no smnoon, when she met Folrigg, she saw that he“T think they'll try to make you talk she said at lat. Ts ve rare but I think the law can make you tell what you know to jdge? “And if refse?” “Good question, Mark. If you were an adult, you could go prison. don't know what they do with a child. Bu if you lie the judge you could be in big trouble? “If ell he truth, Pm in bigger trouble? We? Mark didn’ answer “Mark, at the hospital last night you told me you were ready talk to the FBI and tell them your story. Now you've changed yor mind. Why? Whats happened?" “Mark gently put his cup on the table, covered his fice and bey Sens “I'm sorry, Mr Foltrigg’ he said.‘Reggie and Mark have nothing to discuss today? Foltrigg shouted angrily, then left, banging the door. He went straight o the FBI office and shouted some more. “T want the kid followed, he said angrily."We know Gronke’ in town, He mustn't get to the kid, Watch the lawyer too, And I want ‘you to prepare papers to take toa judge. We're going to make Mark Sway talk? Chapter 11 Momma Love When Reggie and Mark returned to the hospital there were reporters everywhere. “Ms Love, Ms Love’ chey called Jus few questions, please’ She took Mark’ hand and walked ister: “Is tere your clien is reusing to speak to the FBI? Did your client talk to Jerome Clifford before he died? Is it trae your client knows where the senators body i?” Reggie said quickly to Mark, Don'tlook at them and dont say a word? In room 943 Ricky was sitting on the end of the bed Dr Greenway told Mark to sit next to him and hold his hand. “Ricky? he said would like to talk about the other day when you and Mark were hiding in the tees? “Its okay, Ricky! said Mark. ‘He knows we were smoking, ‘Mom's not angry with us? “I'm realy col said Ricky “Ricky, tb very warm in here’ said Dr Greenway.*Now do you remember seeing the big black car” “Yes! sid Ricky quiety. “What did che big black car do, Ricky?” . Until ten o'clock, Roy Foltrigg was in an excellent mo All yesterky affernoon his men had been finding informati about Reggie Love. They knew she used to be married a rich doctor. They knew the doctor had left her. And knew that she had started drinking heavily and taking drugs, the doctor was able to take her children from her. Now she no husband, no children and no money. And a new nan Roy Foltrigg thought he could use this information agai Reggie. Foltriggs job was to prove that Barry Muldanno had killed th senator. He was sure that Mark knew something that would hel hhim, Then he would win the case, and have his face on the pages of the newspapers again {At ten o'clock Foltrig, returned to Reggie’ office, ready the promised meeting with Mark, Clint opened the door him. 36 37Ricky shut his eyes tightly, put his head on Mark's knee and his thumb went into his mouth. He didn't speak another word for ‘wenty-four hours Reggie asked Dianne if Mark could spend the night at her hhouse:Dianne agreed so when Ricky was asleep again they lef the hospital in Reggie's sports car. It was old, but Reggie liked to drive fast, and that was fine with Mark Mark watched the mirror closely to see if anyone was following them. “You think Mom and Ricky ate safe? he asked "Yes. Don’t worry abou The hospital promised to keep wards at the door, Now I wonder what Momma Love is giving us for dinner? Mom to dinner, Most of Reggie’ work was with children. Some had family problems, some had drug problems and some had already sated a life of crime. Regu often decided that they needed good food at Momma Love’. “Momma Love's cooking is the bes she told Mark ‘And ie was. Momma Love was half alan, and she cooked food the old way. Everything was fresh and smelled perfect. They spent an hour atthe table, talking and eating, Dinner in the trailer never took more han ten minutes! After dinner Momma Love showed Mark some photographs ‘Reggie’ children, she said. 'I never see them now: One's on drugs and the other has big money problems. Their father took them and spoiled them. Reggie felt angry at frst, but she’ got anew life now and tries not to think about i. Mark’ bed was comfortable, and he fell asleep quickly, but Ricky shut his yes tight, put his head on Mare’ ke around two o'clock he woke up and found himself worrying and his thumb wet int his mouth. He did't speak about Mom and Ricky. Why was he here? His place wae with anther word fr nventy-four hours 1 Love was Reggie’ mother. She often had young, guests 39them, at the hospital. He got up and stood at the wins thinking about the past ro days, It had al started on Monday, school. Now he had missed two days of school. When would it ‘As Mark looked into the dark night he suddenly noticed a sn red light.A cigarette. Someone was out there, in the street, mo} a cigarette. Though he couldn't be seen, Mark held his breat Someone was watching the house. Gronke put out his cigarete and went to his car. The kid was not going to move tonight, and he had something to do. He drove “Tucker Trailer Park, Chapter 12. Things Get Worse Seven-threy a.m. was to carly for Regge, but she ha to get Ma back to Dianne, Cline calle befor they lef “Ba news, Regu’ he sid, Mark’ picture i onthe front po sgn, Sick Moeller has written another story? ‘When they got to the hospital they could sce the reports waiting outside the front door. “Follow me; sid Mark, and led Reggie through a side door the kitchens and up the bick sair‘T know this hospital well don’ Ihe sid proudly His smile dropped when he saw his mother. She was siting in hall with 2 cop nex t her. She was crying hard. Mark an to he She grabbed him ad held him tight “Mark she said "Our tnler burned down as night! “That right! sai the cop Just afew hours ago? Dianne was sl erying ‘Everything’ gone, Mark? “What started the fie” Regaieasked. 40 “Don't know yet; said the cop. “How's Ricky, Mom?" asked Mark, ‘He’ okay’ said Dianne."He had a good night! “Look Mom said Mark, ‘can we go inside and talk? Dianne nodded and took him into the room, When the door