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We talked with him over video conference back at Atticus’s. Tom McCall of McCall’s Investigations was a tall, awkward-looking fellow, so skinny his collarbones protruded through the fabric of his T-shirt and his Adam’s apple bobbed up and down when he swallowed.
Annie informed us she’d already negotiated his retainer and fee. All Sammie needed to do was tell him everything she knew.
Sammie did as asked, telling McCall everything she’d told me.
“I’ve assumed a new identity,” Sammie said. “But they’re resourceful people. They’ll find me and my daughter eventually.”
“Okay, so let me get this straight. Whatever I find, you’ll use to ensure your safety?” McCall asked, Adam’s apple bobbing. “Last I checked, that’s illegal.”
“Basically,” I said. “Is that going to be a problem?”
“No sir. Just wanted to know my intention. I’ve found that’s the key in life. If you know what you want, then it’s much easier to get it.”
I hadn’t expected to get life coaching from a private dick but hey, who was I to judge? As long as he figured out something that could keep Sammie safe, I didn’t care if he had a vision board or a dartboard.
“Miss Scott, answer me this—for real, did you kill him on purpose or was it an accident?” McCall asked.
“I told you it was an accident,” Sammie said in a small voice. “He was trying to kill me.”
“Do you need to know the answer to that question?” I asked, irritated. “In order to find what we’re looking for?”
McCall shook his head. “No, I’m just a naturally curious guy.”
“He came after me, we struggled, and the gun went off. I’d been planning on leaving him after he passed out but he came home wanting to hurt me.”
“Okay, good,” McCall said. “I just wanted to make sure I understood. This is a family who wants revenge for the killing of one of their own. Got it. I’ll see what I can find and get back to you as soon as possible.” With that, McCall slammed his computer shut and we were disconnected.
I glanced over at Sammie. She seemed so tiny sitting in one of the easy chairs in Atticus’s den. Before I could ask her how she was feeling, Chloe scampered into the room, holding Slurfpig to her chest. “Mama, can I have ice cream? Stella said you had to say yes, or I couldn’t have it.”
“A small bowl,” Sammie said. “And remember to say thank you.”
My mother had come by to look after Chloe while we were on the call with McCall. When I called to ask her to come over, she hadn’t hesitated. God bless her, once she’d arrived, she hadn’t asked why Chloe needed looking after. She hadn’t commented when the four of us went immediately to Atticus’s office, where we remained for the better part of an hour.
But now, I looked up to see Mama in the doorway. “What are you guys doing?” Mama asked.
“Nothing,” I said, feeling like a kid caught doing something they weren’t supposed to.
“Nothing to worry about, Mama,” Atticus said.
“That’s not what I asked,” Mama said, frowning. “Is someone in trouble?”
“We’ll explain it to you later,” Sammie said. “You should know what’s going on, but right now it’s a little complicated for young ears.” She discreetly motioned toward Chloe.
“Right, got it. That’s good enough for now, but I want answers. I’ve seen that look on both my boys’ faces before, and it usually leads to trouble.” Mama held out her hand to Chloe. “Come along, sweetheart. I’ll get you that ice cream.”
“Do you think we should tell the whole family about this?” Atticus asked after Mama and Chloe were gone. “So that everyone’s aware in case trouble comes our way?”
“You mean, like if one of the Underwoods’ thugs comes to visit?” I asked.
“That’s right,” Atticus said.
“I don’t want everyone to know.” Sammie’s eyes filled. “It’s so embarrassing.”
“You have nothing to be ashamed of,” Annie said. “There are people to blame, but you’re not one of them.”
“Yes, and in this case, knowledge is power,” Atticus said. “If everyone understands what we’re up against, then they’ll stay alert in the weeks to come.”
Sammie’s eyes filled. “Thank you. Truly, from the bottom of my heart.”
