He had never felt so afraid before. He’d been scared when the man made him climb up that fire escape to the roof. Then he’d practically been dragged from one roof to another as they went the length of the block, finally going down through an empty building and onto the street where this car was parked. The man had pushed Brian into the car and snapped on the seat belt. “Just remember to call me Daddy if anyone stops us,” he had warned him. Brian knew the man’s name was Jimmy. That was what the woman had called him. She had looked so worried about Brian. When Jimmy pulled him through the window, she had been crying, and Brian could tell how scared she was for him. She knew his parents’ names. Maybe she would call the cops. If she did, would they come looking for him? But Jimmy said he’d kill him if the cops came. Would he? Brian huddled deeper in the seat. He was scared and hungry. And he had to go to the bathroom, but he was afraid to ask. His only comfort was the medal that now lay against his chest on the outside of his jacket.
