Amanda says when she can find her voice. Spenser takes a step back, clearly frightened by Amanda’s tone. “What’s the matter?” Hayley asks, sensing a shift in the air, looking warily toward Ben. “Spenser,” Ben says. “Why don’t you go with your sister.” This is an obvious directive and not a request. “Go on, love,” his mother urges. “I don’t want to go.” “Please, darling. It’s all right. I promise.” Still the boy hesitates. “You’ll scream if you need help?” “I assure you that won’t be necessary,” Ben says as Amanda fights the urge to start screaming herself. Reluctantly the boy sways from his mother’s side and creeps toward the bedroom door. “What did you call him?” Amanda asks, walking briskly after him and closing the door behind him. “I don’t understand,” Hayley stammers, her eyes appealing to Ben for help. “You called him Puppet.” “Yes. I suppose. Why?” “You tell me.” “I don’t understand. It’s just a nickname.”
