“He is seven.”
Lorraine answered:
“Children can be used by older people.”
Isaiah looked at her.
“What does that mean?”
Again, nobody wanted to explain the ugliness of an adult suspicion to a child.
Then Lorraine said:
“Kids like him shouldn't be wandering around a place this crowded by themselves anyway.”
Everything stopped.
Ruiz looked directly at Lorraine.
“Kids like him?”
Lorraine realized what she had said.
“I mean young children.”
Jasmine shook her head.
“No.”
“You said kids like him.”
Lorraine’s face reddened.
“You people are twisting my words.”
Isaiah’s lip tightened.
“What kind of kid am I?”
Lorraine looked away.
That was the moment Isaiah stopped wanting to prove anything to her.
He simply wanted his parents.
He pulled out his small phone.
“Can I call my mom?”
Ruiz nodded immediately.
“Of course.”
Isaiah pressed Camille’s name.
She answered on the first ring.
“Hey, baby.”
“Mom.”
Her voice changed instantly.
“What happened?”
“The police are here.”
Silence.
“Why?”
“A lady thinks I'm stealing stuff.”
“Where are you?”
“Main Avenue.”
“Near the fountain?”
“Yes.”
“Is Dad there?”
“He went to help Ms. Parker.”
“Are you hurt?”
“No.”
“Did anyone touch you?”
“No.”
“Search you?”
“No.”
Isaiah swallowed.
“Mom?”
“Yes?”
“I didn’t do anything.”
“I know.”
“How?”
“Because I know who you are.”
His eyes filled.
Camille’s voice became firm.
“Stay right where you are.”
“Okay.”
“I'm coming.”
CHAPTER 4: HIS FATHER COMES BACK
Marcus returned carrying bottled water.
He saw the uniforms before he saw Isaiah.
Then he saw his son in the center.
The bottles lowered slowly in his hand.
“Isaiah?”
Isaiah turned.
“Dad.”
Marcus covered the distance quickly.
He crouched.
“Look at me.”
Isaiah did.
“You hurt?”
“No.”
“Anybody touch you?”
“No.”
“Search you?”
“No.”
Marcus looked at the clipboard.
Then the security officers.
“What happened?”
Ruiz answered.
“A visitor reported your son as suspicious around guest belongings.”
Marcus stared.
“What did he do?”
“Nothing we can substantiate.”
Lorraine interrupted.
“I watched him.”
Marcus turned toward her.
“Who are you?”
“I made the call.”
“Why?”
“He was walking around strangers.”
Marcus looked around.
“This is an amusement park.”
Lorraine stiffened.
“He was watching bags.”
“Did he touch one?”
“No.”
“Take one?”
“No.”
“Reach toward one?”
“No.”
“Ask anyone for property?”