"Where mommy go?" Teresa inquired.
"Yeah where'd she go?" Johnny added. "She was sitting right there just a minute ago—"
"We will break down the door if you don't open up," a voice said outside.
"Just a minute," Holder yelled. He looked at his son. Why was it so difficult to concentrate now? "Johnny," he said. His voice was a hoarse gasp.
"Yes, dad."
"Get the hell out of my sight."
The boy went easily and rapidly. Johnny did not seem to mind. It was as if to him there was nothing bad about this experience. And possibly nothing new.
Holder wiped sweat from his face. Was he sure? Did he really know what he was doing? Was he certain? There had been no time for testing.
Teresa, staring around the room, was searching for her idol. "Johnny!" she called. When there was no answer, she looked up at her father and announced, "Johnny is hiding." This was the beginning of a game.
Holder forced a smile to his face. "Do you want to go find him?"