章 46: Chapter 46

He was in the middle of doing the homework he’d assigned himself, and he took out a fresh sheet of loose-leaf paper. With careful strokes he wrote his name at the top of the page. In the opposite corner he put the date, May 23, 2005. Instead of writing an essay on what led up to the events of 9/11, though, he found himself sketching an idea that had been niggling at his brain.

When the phone rang, he looked up. “Ma?”

“Let the answering machine pick up.” They had to have a phone in case her boss needed her to come in for an extra shift, but the rule of the house was all calls went to the answering machine. If it turned out to be her boss, she’d pick up.

“I’m looking for Jeanette Van Orden.” The voice sounded prissy. “Is she there?” There was a long moment of silence as the caller waited for a response. Finally, he said, “I beg your pardon. Obviously I’ve called the wrong number.” There was a subdued click, and after a short time, the answering machine shut off.