“Thinking better than ever. See, couple knocks on the head straightened my brain out.”

Willie piped up, “Too bad it didn’t happen when we were playing football. Remember that godawful play you called in the state semis our junior year? I was wide open but you threw it right to the safety. Almost cost us the game.”

“Play was fine. Only problem was I was checking out the other team’s cheerleaders when I let go of the ball. One of ’em kept bending over. Trying to distract me, I expect.”

“Some things never change,” said Abby wearily. “Boys never grow up, they just get bigger with more hair and people start calling them men.”

Stone said to Danny, “Tyree told me he came by to see you.”

Danny’s look changed. He glanced toward the window but uncharacteristically kept his mouth shut.

“Those men almost killed you, Danny. They almost killed me.”

“I’m sorry about that, Ben. Sure wasn’t your fight.”

“Who were they?”

“Can’t really remember. Docs say I got a concussion.” He looked back and his face brightened. “Had a few in high school. Didn’t I, Willie?”

“Hell, yeah. He always held on to the ball too long.”

“Had to so your sorry butt could get open. If you’d run a little faster my brain would be doing better.”

Willie grinned.

“Once we get out of here me and Willie are heading to California. Ain’t that right, Willie?”

Willie nodded. “We talked it over last night. Got it all worked out.”

“You sure it wasn’t the painkillers talking?” said Abby.

“I’m sure. Divine ain’t big enough for the two of us, is it, Willie?”

“No way.”

“He’s getting out of the mines and I’m gonna be a movie star. Willie’s going to be my agent.”

“What do you two know about any of that?” asked Abby with an incredulous look.

“Actors are just paid liars, far as I can see. They memorize a bunch of lines and then just say ’em. And, Ma, you’ve always said I could spout the biggest load of crap you’ve ever heard.”

“He’s got a point there, Mrs. Riker,” said Willie.

“California is a long way away,” she said slowly.

Danny looked over at her. “You want me to stay here?”

“No, I mean, I want you to be happy, honey. And safe. So if that means California, then so be it. Maybe I’ll come and visit.”

“Hell, when I hit it big I’ll buy you a place next to Brad Pitt. But you got to let me use it too so I can sneak peeks at Mrs. Pitt.”

“Okay, Danny, okay,” she said quietly, but looking anxious.

Danny seemed to notice this. He slid a hand out from under the covers and took one of hers.

“Ma, it’ll be okay. All right? I promise.”

“Sure. I know.”