Sunday mornings were my favorite. The three of us would lounge around the studio sipping tea and eating bagels. Newspapers scattered across the floor we'd take turns reading aloud something we found funny, sad or completely unbelievable. Claire would attempt the crossword puzzle though I must admit to never seeing her complete one. Once the paper had been sufficiently consumed we would make plans for the week. This week we would go to the Natural History Museum and catch the Wednesday matinee of Godspell at the Ambassador Theater. These covered Claire's need for culture. Other activities this week included horseback riding in the park and the day I was most excited about…next Sunday a baseball game! I had never been to a game and the week could not go by fast enough. Todd got tickets for us to see Mets vs. Cubs with Tom Seaver on the mound. Could life be any better? Well actually it could. Not only was I to see a game but I was going to get a chance to take a few swings at Tom's pitches. Todd knew a guy who knew a guy…you get the idea.
The week dragged on and on. Even though we did things I thoroughly enjoyed my eye and heart were on Sunday.
I woke first putting the water on for tea and getting the paper. I was too excited to eat.
"Come on guys wake up, wake up!"
"Hey Slugger we have four hours before we need to leave. Cool your jets." Todd shouted from the loft.
"It's ok, Todd. I don't think I've ever seen him this excited before. He's usually quite subdued – you know. I kind of like this side to him." Claire snuck up behind him and gently kissed is neck. "Thank you for making this happen"
Todd turned to hug Claire, enveloping her in his arms. He lifted her and carried her back into their room.
"Just a little longer, Slugger" were his parting words as he shut the door with his foot.
Knowing there was time to kill I hopped on my bike for a spin. I had been here over a month and it was the first time I'd been out alone. The anticipation of the ball game had exhilarated me. The cool morning air pressed against my face adding to the spark inside. My mind raced along with the bike; bouncing from one thought to the next. The faster I pedaled the faster my mind clicked. The excitement for the game turned to my pleasure in seeing Claire happy. Thoughts of Claire turned to hatred for my father. From Alexander I switched to Michael and Lyn yearning for them to share in my new life; a life I wished would last forever. Next to Todd's words 'don't worry things won't stay this way forever.' That's right! That was weeks ago what did they have on Alexander? I needed to ask Claire. That's what he said; anything more had to come from Claire.
Heading back I began to rehearse my questions and imagine the answers.
As I turned down the deserted street Claire and Todd were waiting outside.
"Do you have any idea how long you've been gone?" Claire's voice, filled with panic cracked and she was hugging me before I could bring the bike to a complete stop.
"Don't ever go off by yourself like that again. Someone could have seen you…taken you. Do you understand?"
"But, I'm OK. No one saw me. I'm OK."
"Never again; do you hear me? Never again! Not until all this is settled then we'll move away and you can ride bikes, make friends, go to school anything kids your age do but until then; NO."
"He's got the message Claire. Leave him be." Todd had his arms around both of us.
Claire's eyes were puffy and red. Tears stained her cheeks. With a slight tilt of her head she looked into my eyes; her index finger pressed gently to my cheek "I was so scared, so very scared."
"It's alright. He's safe. Now let's get going Slugger or you won't have time to hit or should I say swing at any of Mr. Seaver's pitches."
All was quickly forgotten as we ran to catch the #7 train to Shea Stadium. Upon arrival Claire went to find our seats and Todd and I were escorted to the field and introduced to the players during warm-up. Left fielder Boisclair gave me a bat and I tried several times to hit one of Tom's pitches. After repeated swings and misses he finally lobbed a slow one over the plate and whack, I hit it!
"Great job kid!" Tom smiled as he mussed my hair.
"Thank You, Sir. This is the best day of my whole life!"
"Well kid I hope you have lots more best days." He signed the ball and handed it to me.
"Now don't be losin' this ya here."
"No Sir. What about the bat?"
"Keep that too. Practice, practice, practice and maybe I'll see you play one day. Just remember its all about control. Stay in control and everything else will take care of itself."
"Yes Sir. Thank you Sir"
As we walked off the field I couldn't feel me feet touch the ground. I wished this day would never end. The whole game proved to be as spectacular as I had hoped. The Mets won 6 to 0. Seaver let up only one hit.
"Claire, Todd, thanks for today."
"You're welcome Hero. I'm glad you had fun." Claire's arm wrapped around me and she kissed my cheek whispering "I love you".
The darkening sky still carried hues of purple and orange as we climbed the subway stairs. Customary procedure was for Todd to call in each evening. He found a payphone and checked in with Chase.
"I have to go. Something about a lead they need me to verify. Will you guys be alright on your own?"
"Of course we will. You be safe, Todd." Claire gave a half hearted smile. "Don't worry about is we'll be just fine."
"You take good care of her Slugger. This shouldn't take long." Giving Claire a quick embrace; he was gone.
"So what do you think; something to eat?" I said with a grin.
"With all you ate? How could you possibly be…oh alright there's a deli around the corner."
"Hey, I'm a growing boy of course I'm hungry."
The deli was busy but we found a table near the back. The buzz of conversation filled the cramped space. We ordered quickly and with lightning speed it was served.
"Claire, tell me what's going on, please. How on earth are you going to keep me away from him? Can it really be done?"
"Of course it can be done everyone falls eventually. Why can't we be the ones to bring the bastard down? Our chances are as good as anyone's."
She sounded more like she was trying to convince herself than me. Taking a bite of my turkey club I considered my next question.
"Todd said you needed to locate some people. Who are they and what will they do?"
Claire glanced at me a moment then turned away; stirring her chocolate egg cream with her straw. A heavy sigh drifted across her lips, her shoulders slumped. Drawing in a strong breath she strengthened and looked directly into my eyes.
"Alex, the people we are trying to find were there the day you were born; these are people who can prove to the courts that you are my son."
4