Page 59 of Holding On to a Hero
“Holy shit, dude.” Craig was looking at Malcolm like he’d never seen him before.
Malcolm shrugged him off and handed me a piece of paper. “Just think about it, Will. Here’s your ticket. Your flight leaves in an hour. You have your new phone and the cash? When you get through security go buy a jacket in a dark color and a hat. Once you’re on the plane, go into the restroom and put them on. That way when you leave the plane you look completely different. Now repeat all that back to me.”
I did. “Good. We didn’t have time to get you a new identity, so you’re flying under your own name.”
“Okay.” A new identity? Was that even legal?
“That means you’re traceable to people who know how to do that sort of thing. You’ve got a layover in Denver but it’s less than an hour. Go straight from your first plane to the waiting area for the second plane. Do not stop for a snack, do not use the restroom. Remain in public view at all times until you get on the second plane. Do you understand?” I nodded.
“Good. You’re most vulnerable when you’re alone. We don’t know what resources this guy has, but anyone who works for an airline or one of the shops or restaurants is probably safe. When you’re getting food or shopping make sure someone like that can see you at all times. Wait to use the restroom on the plane.”
“Okay.” I felt like I was in a spy movie.
“When you land at your final destination someone will text you with instructions. You got all that?”
“Uh.” I looked at the ticket. After Denver I was going to Fargo, North Dakota?The fuck?“Someone will text me with instructions.”
“Right. And remember to be angry. Remember to fight back. Take your power back and use it to fight.”
I remembered Ally talking about taking power in my relationship with Cole and Jason. That hadn’t been my style, or theirs. But this power Malcolm was talking about, this could be what I needed.
I nodded at him once. “I will. Thanks. Okay, I’m going.” I opened the door and managed to get out and stand upright. I stepped out onto the curb and leaned back into the SUV. “Okay, uh, thanks for helping me. And thanks for the ride, Craig.” They both said goodbye and I turned to walk toward the terminal.
Angry. I was starting to feel it. Like a door had opened inside me. Like the anger had been there all along but I’d just been waiting for someone to name it. To call it out. To give me permission to access it.
Angry felt good. Malcolm was right. Angry felt like energy. I could do this. I needed to get somewhere safe first, but then I needed to figure out how to fight.
* * *
Excerpt from transcript of interview with Allison Graham, William Graham’s sister:
Ranger Ramirez:Ms. Graham, could you please tell me if you know anyone who might have ill intentions toward your brother?
Graham:Uh, yes. That woman, the mother of one of the people killed in the lake accident in Colorado. She came to his hospital room and yelled at him for not saving her daughter. As if he intentionally chose not to! I swear, I’m not prone to violence, but that woman – ugh! I think her name was Robinson or something. I’d look at her if I were you. But everyone else loves Will. He’s a sweetheart. He wouldn’t hurt anyone. Do you think this has something to do with his relationship with Cole Washburn?
Ranger Ramirez: We’re looking into all possibilities, ma’am. Could you please tell me about your brother’s relationship with your parents?
Graham: Oh, yeah. Sorry, I forgot about them. They certainly bear ill will towards Will. But shooting at him? They hate his quote, deviant lifestyle, but they cut him off over fifteen years ago. It just doesn’t make sense that they’d do something violent now. Besides, it’s more their style to donate a bunch of money to a TV preacher to get millions of people to try to pray Will’s gay away. [laughs] Like that’s going to happen.
Ranger Ramirez:Do you know the disposition of Mr. Graham’s estate should he pass away?
Graham: He set it up to go into a trust for my daughter’s college expenses. I’m the executor. But if you’re looking at me as a suspect, I can assure you I have more money than Will does. Feel free to check.
Ranger Ramirez:Ms. Graham, can you please tell us your whereabouts on Thursday the seventh of October between 6am and 10am?
Graham: I was on a conference call with about ten other people. It was recorded.
Ranger Ramirez: And last night?
Graham: I was home with my daughter.
Ranger Ramirez:What did Mr. Graham tell you about his relationship with Mr. Washburn and Mr. Shelton?
Graham:Uh, I know they hadn’t been seeing each other very long before the shooting, but it seemed like it was getting serious.
Ranger Ramirez:How do you feel about your brother dating two men?
Graham:We should all be so lucky.
