Page 27 of Guarding Colton’s Witness

“I’m going to school?”

“You sure are,” Matti said.

Having never been to school, he was going to be behind the other children, and that was probably going to embarrass him when he realized it.

As if reading his mind, Matti said, “I think while we’re out this afternoon, we should pick up some beginning reader books. What do you think, Sam? Would you like to start learning to read?”

“Is it hard? I see words, but I don’t know what they mean.”

“You’re a smart boy. I think you’ll learn to read pretty fast. You boys about ready to go? We’ve got a lot to do this afternoon.”

Sam raised his hand. “I’m ready.”

“Let’s get this show on the road.” Ryan stood. “But first, we help Matti clean up.”

* * *

Ryan wasn’t expecting to have fun shopping. He never had before. Prior to this afternoon, he only shopped when he needed something, and it was get there and get what he needed, then get out. Malls weren’t on his list of favorite places to be, but the wonder in Sam’s eyes at seeing his new clothes the salesman was ringing up made every minute worthwhile.

“Is it okay for me to have that much?” he whispered to Ryan as Matti handed over her credit card. He’d tried to pay, but she’d refused to let him, saying that the clothes were being paid for by the state.

“Yes, it sure is.” The boy had been surprisingly particular about what he liked and didn’t like, and Ryan had to admit that Sam had a flair for what looked good on him. Along with pants, shorts, and shirts, they’d bought him shoes, socks, and underwear. They’d also picked up a comb and toothbrush.

“This is better than Christmas,” Sam said with a giggle as he insisted on carrying one of the bags to the car.

Ryan carried the rest. After putting their purchases in the car, they locked up and returned to the mall, to the bookstore. Matti picked out six beginners books, and Sam was even more excited about the books than he was the clothes.

“I’m paying for these,” Ryan said, taking the books from her. He wanted to make his own contribution to making Sam happy.

“Can I carry them?” Sam asked.

Ryan took the bag from the cashier. “You promise to take care of your books?”

“Yes! I’ll take real good care of them forever.”

“Good boy.” He handed Sam the bag.

“Where to now?” Ryan asked when they were back in the car with Sam buckled in, flipping the pages of one of his new books.

“Know where he can get a quick haircut?”

“I sure do. There’s a walk-in place a few miles from here.”

“Good because it looks like his mother would put a bowl on his head and cut around it. He’s going to have a hard enough time in school being behind in his learning. I don’t want him also bullied because of his horrible haircut.”

Once back in the car after leaving the barber’s, Ryan glanced in the rearview mirror to see Sam engrossed in his book and not paying attention to them. “When does school start?”

“In two weeks. He’ll need to be evaluated to see what he still needs to learn at his age.”

“How far do you think we can get him in two weeks?”

She tilted her head as if studying him. “Are you volunteering to help?”

“I guess I am.” And not just because he wanted to spend more time with her. He truthfully was invested in Sam’s happiness and well-being.

“That’s great, and I really do appreciate any help you’re willing to give. I doubt he’ll be with me that long, but at least, we can give him a head start.”

It bothered Ryan that Sam’s future and where he’d end up was uncertain. He eyed the boy in the mirror again. It just wasn’t right for Sam—for any child—to start life with the disadvantages that Sam had; drug addicts for parents, murdered parents, knowing nothing of life outside a sleazy motel room.