| Kravitz & Bane?” “It’s a good firm.” “Did you know they represented me?” “Yes.” “So you’ve been planning this?” “For about five years.” “But why?” “I don’t know.” “You must have a reason.” “The reason is obvious. You’re my grandfather, okay. Like it or not, you’re who you are and I’m who I am. And I’m here now, so what are we going to do about it?” “I think you should leave.” “I’m not leaving, Sam. I’ve been preparing for this a long time.” “Preparing for what?” “You need legal representation. You need help. That’s why I’m here.” “I’m beyond help. They’re determined to gas me, okay, for lots of reasons. You don’t need to get involved in it.” “Why not?” “Well, for one, it’s hopeless. You’re gonna get hurt if you bust your ass and you’re unsuccessful. Second, your true identity will be revealed. It’ll be very embarrassing. Life for you will be much better if you remain Adam Hall.” “I am Adam Hall, and I don’t plan to change it. I’m also your grandson, and we can’t change that, can we? So what’s the big deal?” “It’ll be embarrassing for your family. Eddie did a great job of protecting you. Don’t blow it.” “My cover’s already blown. My firm knows it. I told Lucas Mann, and—” “That jerk’ll tell everybody. Don’t trust him for a minute.” “Look, Sam, you don’t understand. I don’t care if he tells. I don’t care if the world knows that I’m your grandson. I’m |
boat. “And grab that rope,” Lettner yelled again, pointing to a thin cord hooked to a grapple. Adam unhitched the rope and stepped nervously into the boat, which rocked just as his foot touched it. He slipped and landed on his head and came within inches of taking a swim. Lettner howled with laughter as he pulled the starter rope. Ron, of course, had watched this and was grinning stupidly on the dock. Adam was embarrassed but laughed as if it was all very funny. Lettner gunned the engine, the front of the boat jerked upward, and they were off. Adam clutched the handles on both sides as they sped through the water and under the bridge. Calico Rock was soon behind them. The river turned and twisted its way through scenic hills and around rocky bluffs. Lettner navigated with one hand and sipped a fresh beer with the other. After a few minutes, Adam relaxed somewhat and managed to pull a beer from the cooler without losing his balance. The bottle was ice cold. He held it with his right hand and clutched the boat with his left. Lettner was humming or singing something behind him. The high-pitched roar of the motor prevented conversation. They passed a small trout dock where a group of clean-cut city slickers were counting fish and drinking beer, and they passed a flotilla of rubber rafts filled with mangy teenagers smoking something and absorbing the sun. They waved at other fishermen who were hard |
