Page 101 of Life, Love and the Pursuit of Happiness

“I do. And I’m certain that Maggie would be terrified with strangers.”

“Okay, I’ll do it.”

“The first ferry doesn’t leave until six a.m. We’ll leave here at five to give us extra time. Pack enough for several days. Make it appear like a fun, surprise trip so that Maggie won’t be scared.”

“Are you going to tell Delilah ahead of time?”

“Not if I don’t have to.”

“Oh, boy!”

There was a tablet and pen on the table that Salome had been using to keep score of her games. While Salome was packing—she would wake Maggie at the last minute—he began to write the note he would leave for Delilah, assuming she was still asleep by the time he left for the ferry, please God!

Delilah, sweetheart:

I’ve taken your grandmother and Maggie to stay with my parents on Hatteras for a few days, just till we’ve ironed things out with the state. I’ve left a message with Matt Holden to meet with you later today to ensure your parole won’t be revoked. Don’t be mad that I didn’t consult you first. Trust me, we can work this all out. I’ll be back in time for the press conference at two. I’d like you to come, but I’ll understand if you want to lay low for a day or two. If you need anything, ask K-4. Trust me.

Love, Merrill

Even though she was awakened early so they could make the six a.m. ferry, Sal—that’s what Delilah’s grandmother asked him to call her—sat in the passenger seat next to him, smoking, rather, vaping away. Same thing, as far as he was concerned. Even if it was lemon-scented today. The woman was going to ruin his appetite for lemons.

Meanwhile, the Little Annie clone (yes, she was in full red dress orphan outfit today) sat in the high-backed booster seat in the rear of his pickup like it was a bloody throne. Her stuffed dog sat next to her like a royal subject.

The little girl didn’t stop talking for one minute. Everything merited comment. Usually no response was necessary. The sign at the edge of town, for example, announcing the Labor Day Lollypalooza. “Gramma is gonna dance with the Old Codgers Club in the talent contest,” she informed Merrill, which was news to him. First, that they’d given their group a name, or that Salome was a member of the group, or that they’d entered a talent contest.

Can life get any better than this?

“I’m gonna sleep over with three boys next week.”

Okaaay.

“I hafta pee.”

“Wait till we get on the ferry.”

“Do you live in a mansion like Daddy Warbucks?”

“No, but my parents do. For the summer anyhow.”

Salome’s eyes went wide at that and she mouthed at him, “Really?”

“Yeah. It even has a name. The Beach Manse.”

“Wow! I shoulda brought more Avon products. I could probably sell out my stock in that kind of neighborhood.”

Please don’t be doing your Avon Lady shtick there. But then he amended that thought to, Why the hell not? Go for it!

“Your Mommy’s in a horsepital?” Maggie asked. “Does she have a boo-boo? I could kiss it and make it better.”

I’d like to see that. She’d probably have another heart attack. My mother doesn’t do touchy-feely.

“Mommy was crying yesterday. Did you make her cry?”

Oh, Lord! “I hope not.”

“Did you see that bird? It pooped right on the rail.”

“That’s what birds do.”