Department of Student Loans, Kidnap & Ransom
Page 27
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Annie and Rose’s faces popped up on The Executioner’s phone and immediately launched into a full recounting of every fun and interesting thing that they had done since he left Vietnam. Then, after pausing to catch their breath for a second, the sisters asked how soon he would be back in town. They stopped just short of demanding an immediate return. He decided not to tell them that he planned on basing himself in Saigon. He wanted to be 100% positive of this before he told them.
“Well, it only takes two hours to fly to Saigon from Indonesia, so I can visit on any weekend. Talk to your grandma and ask when would be a good time. I can even visit on a weekday if you two are on school holidays.”
“I will ask my grandma,” said Annie. “Our mom is in your room, but she said she will share our room if you visit.”
“Your mom? Rebecca?”
“Yes, our mom is here.”
“You didn’t tell me that your mom would be visiting.”
“She came home yesterday,” said Rose. “It was a surprise.”
“For how long will she be visiting?”
“Always,” said Rose.
“Forever,” said Annie, correcting her little sister.
“Oh?”
“Yes,” said Annie.
“Your mother is not going back to America?”
“No, she is staying here,” said Annie. The expression on the two girls’ faces was one of pure happiness.
“What about Marv?”
“We don’t like Marv. And our mom doesn’t like him either,” said Annie as Rose nodded in agreement.
“Well, don’t worry about Marv. But are you sure that your mom is staying? Are you sure she won’t go back to Los Angeles?”
“No! She promised us that she would never leave again,” said Annie. Her eyes were starting to fill with tears. The Executioner couldn’t recall every seeing any person this happy.
“OK, I’m glad that your mother is back home with you. I will give you lots of time before I visit again. You both should spend lots of time with your mom and with your mom only, alright? You can have visitors later.”
“No! Visit us again soon, please!” demanded Rose.
“Yes, you must come to our home again.” said Annie.
“OK, I promise,” said The Executioner.