Trust Your Eyes

THIRTY-FIVE

“Thomas?”

“Yes?”

“It’s Bill Clinton.”

“It is?”

“That’s right.”

“Oh, hi. It’s good to hear from you.”

“How are things going?”

“They are going very well. I’m memorizing more streets every day. Have you been getting my updates?”

“Of course, of course. You’re doing very well. Just terrific work. Everyone’s amazed by what you can do.”

“Thank you so much.”

“But, Thomas, there is something I’m a little worried about.”

“Yes?”

“I understand the FBI came to see you the other day.”

“That’s right. Remember we talked about this? I think they were just making sure I was staying on task, you know?”

“Sure, sure. But you have to be very careful these days, Thomas, about who you talk to. FBI, CIA, even the Promise Falls police. Even people who are close to you.”

“What do you mean?”

“Just be very prudent about what you tell anyone. Never reveal anything very personal. For example, your father just passed away, and I understand that you might find that upsetting, but you need to present a strong front, or you might be perceived as being weak. This would be true for any traumatic incidents in your life. You keep them to yourself, and you move forward. Do you understand?”

“I believe so.”

“That’s good. And you also need to cover your tracks. Like erase your computer history-”

“I already do that.”

“And your call history, too.”

“Sure. I do all that, Bill.”

“I can’t begin to tell you how proud I am of you, Thomas. Everyone at the agency is very impressed.”

“I won’t let you down. Since I have you on the line, I wanted to tell you about something. When I was memorizing the streets of New York, I saw-”

“Thomas, I have to go. Maybe next time, okay?”

“Okay, Bill. Okay. Good-bye.”