Make them Cry Read Online Free Page B

the dock. “John?”
    John Costello glanced over his shoulder. He quickly brushed his sleeve beneath his nose. “Yeah?” he replied in a raspy voice. He stood up and turned around.
    In the moonlight, Jack could see tears in his eyes. “Are you okay?” he asked.
    “Fine,” he muttered.
    “Didn’t you read the list of rules they gave you at check in?” Jack asked gently. “You’re not supposed to be out of your room past eleven on weeknights—unless you have permission or you’re using the bathroom.”
    John sighed, but said nothing. He wiped his eyes.
    “Didn’t you know about the curfew?”
    “No,” he mumbled. “Guess I’m off to a bad start with you, huh?”
    Jack managed to smile. “It’s okay. I’ll cut you a break.”
    “Thanks.” John shoved his hands in his pockets. He caught Jack’s eye for a second. “You’re new here, too, aren’t you? I heard a couple of the other priests talking—”
    “That’s right. We’re in the same boat.” Jack nodded toward the dorm. “Now, why don’t you head inside? You ought to get your room set up.”
    John turned away, then gazed out at the water again. “I’m worried about my sister,” he said. “She—well, she practically raised me and my other two sisters ever since my mom died. My other sisters are married now, and moved away. I’m still with Maggie. She’s married, too. His name’s Ray. He’s a real asshole. I’ve seen him take off after her. He and I have tangled it up a few times, because I don’t like the way he smacks her around. I’m scared what he might do to Maggie with no one there to protect her. Anyway, I don’t know why I’m dumping all this on you. I’m just worried.”
    “There’s a phone in my room,” Jack said. “Would you like to call her? Make sure she’s okay?”
    Johnny turned to him. “Really? God, that would be great. We didn’t have much time to talk yesterday. Three other guys were waiting to use the phone.”
    Once in his room, Jack dialed the number for Johnny. He handed him the phone, then stepped out. All was quiet as he made a couple of rounds, checking the hall. When he passed his own door, Jack heard snippets of what Johnny was saying: “…this really cool priest let me use his phone…. Yeah, Pete’s room is just down the hall from me…. I’m fine, really….”
    Jack gave him a few more minutes, then tapped on the door and opened it. John was sitting at his desk. He glanced over his shoulder. “Hey, listen, Maggie,” he said into the phone. “I should go. Talk to you again soon, okay?”
    He hung up, then got to his feet. “Good news.” He smiled at Jack. “My sister went apartment shopping on the sly this afternoon. She’s dumping Ray’s sorry ass, and putting in an application for a place—two bedrooms, one for me. Isn’t that cool?”
    Jack nodded. “That’s great. Now, why don’t you go get some sleep?”
    “Sure thing. Thanks, Father.” Suddenly Johnny hugged him.
    For a moment, Jack stood with his arms at his sides. Then, awkwardly, he hugged the boy back. He felt as if he was breaking some kind of guideline for the resident priests: no displays of affection with the student charges. It was all right to hit them—but not hug them.
    Jack had made a friend that night. John Costello became something of a surrogate son to him. He didn’t have a father, and he looked up to Jack. They sometimes ran together in the morning, though not lately. Jack figured it was just as well. He wanted John to spend more time with guys his own age. Besides, he wasn’t supposed to have any favorites among the students.
    Jack pressed on. Rounding the curve on the lake side of the track, he felt his lungs reach that last-lap burning point.
    “Father Murphy! Oh, God, Father Murphy!”
    Jack stopped, then bent forward. Hands on knees, he tried to catch his breath. He gaped at Ernesto Rodriguez, who stumbled from the forest trail. “Father Murphy, there’s a body!” he cried, pointing toward