Page 55 of The Naughty List

“What happened to Joseph Walsh?”

Joey.A shudder ripples through my body. I can’t help it.

Every day I try not to think of him. Every day I fail.

Inhaling deeply, I roll the toothpick to the other side of my mouth and wipe my sweaty palms on my jeans beneath the table.

“Don’t know for sure. His sister takes care of him last I heard.”

He nods. “I’ve done my research. You pay his medical bills and he lives in a house with your name on the deed. Why is that?”

I lean forward, tired of his condescension. “I’m guessing you know why.”

“You still in touch with Pops McGarrett?”

Now I want to slap him. “He died last year. Thought you said you did your research?”

Something in his expression tells me he knew this. He’s rattling me on purpose. Not a real bright one, this guy.

“You ever think about fighting again?”

I arch an eyebrow. “No.”

“I mean professionally.”

“I’m aware of what you meant.”

He clears his throat. “So even if it was for a really good cause, say, a charitable donation to an organization you care a great deal about?”

“Look, man, I don’t know what your angle is or why the media gives a damn what I do or don’t do, but I left fighting years ago and I’ve moved on with my life. I wish everyone else would.”

“That’s the thing. You know what makes you so intriguing?”

I shrug. “I honestly don’t have a fucking clue.”

“You don’t want to be in the spotlight.”

“So?”

“So it’s been my experience—and the experience of most every journalist out there—that the people who avoid the attention are the most interesting ones worthy of it.”

“If you say so.” I’m ready for this to be over. “I answered your questions. Run your piece on something that happened when I was a kid if you must. But leave the kids living at the home now out of it. Don’t name the specific group home in your article under any circumstances. We clear?”

I make sure my glare penetrates his wormy stare until he’s squirming in his seat.

He nods. “Oh, and about what you wanted to know?”

I stand and wait for him to tell me that Hollis’s sister-in-law told a friend who told someone.

“My cousin, Aimee, works at a toy store. Lucky break for me that you happened to be dressed as Santa and mentioned where you were headed when she was working.”

Fuck me.

I owe Hollis the apology to end all apologies.

16

HOLLIS