Chapter 23 - THE HAND SHE SLAPPED AWAY
Tommy passed tables of wealthy guests without lowering his eyes. Conversations stopped. Several people recognized him from Nathan’s security notice.
Victoria saw the guards closing in and heard Nathan behind her say, “Do not let him reach the electronics.”
Tommy gently touched her arm.
Years of fear overrode every lesson learned in recent weeks. Victoria imagined a decoy ribbon, a hidden device, and Nathan turning the moment into proof that she had conspired with a child.
She jerked away and slapped Tommy’s hand aside.
“Hey! Don’t touch me!”
The words rang across the plaza.
Guests turned. Phones rose.
Victoria looked down at his bare feet and dirty clothing. The contempt she thought she had begun dismantling returned with the speed of instinct.
“What do you want?” she demanded.
Tommy looked straight at her.
For a second she saw not a messenger or claimant, but a seven-year-old trying not to show that she had hurt him.
He pointed toward her hair.
“You have the same ribbon.”
Victoria’s expression changed.
“What are you talking about?”
Tommy stepped closer despite the guard reaching for his shoulder.
Victoria moved between them. “Do not touch him.”
The order came too late to erase what she had done.
Tommy’s eyes remained fixed on hers.
“My mom said I’d find you here.”
Victoria went still.
The crowd began watching more closely. Nathan signaled security again, but cameras now made every movement dangerous.
“Your mother?” Victoria asked.
May you like
Tommy nodded. Tears filled his eyes.
Then he reached into his pocket.
