“You got kids and a husband,” Jesse said.
“And Anthony has kids and a wife,” Molly said.
“I was afraid you’d remember
that,” Jesse said.
“It’s because I’m a
woman,” Molly said.
Jesse was silent.
“It is, isn’t it,” Molly said.
“Yes.”
“Well, it’s lovely and chivalrous of you,” Molly said. “And I
know you do it because you care about me. But it still demeans me.”
“I know,” Jesse said.
“God, you’re irritating. I can’t
even fight with
you.”
“You and Anthony can be snacking in the food court,” Jesse said.
“Wear your vest.”
“You too,” Molly said.
Jesse nodded.
“Spring fashions,” he said.
63
They set up early Molly and Anthony deAngelo, in jeans and winter coats, arrived at 4:30 and began to shop the mall. Molly made several purchases, and Anthony carried her bags and looked bored. They saw no sign of Tony or Brianna Lincoln. Only Jesse and Suitcase Simpson had actually seen the Lincolns. The rest had detailed descriptions. But it was not the same. Outside the mall, Simpson dispersed the other cops, trying to keep all the exits in view. Only Steve Friedman and Buddy Hall were on duty in Paradise.
At 6:27, Molly and Anthony came to the food court. They put their bags down and sat at a table. They looked from where they sat at the various food stands, appeared to reach a decision, and Anthony stood up and went to get them some pork fried rice. The food court was nearly filled. Looking at the customers, Molly realized that several of them could be the Lincolns. At 6:48 Molly decided that she couldn’t pretend to eat the rice anymore.
She had
no appetite, and it was clear that neither did Anthony.
“I’ll get us some coffee,” she
said.
“Cream,” Anthony said, “two
sugars.”
At 6:57 Molly took a cell phone out of her purse and called Simpson outside the mall.
“Hello, honey,” she said.
“Molly?”
“Yes. Are you and your brother doing what Nana says?”
“Any sign of action?” Simpson said.
Anthony deAngelo looked like a man whose wife spoke often on the
phone, glancing aimlessly around the food court. Molly smiled.
“No, honey, Daddy and I are having coffee, we’ll be home in a
little while.”
“Do you want me to help you with this?”
Simpson said. “Pretend
I’m your kid?”
“Absolutely not,” Molly said.
“What have you and Nana been
doing?”
“I’ll just sort of hum, then, so
you’ll know the line’s open and
I’m still here.”
“That’s very good,” Molly said.
