Redemption by Danny Dufour Read Free Book Online Page A

ok...”
    “Ok then. Keep your eyes open.”
    Danny turned toward the candle that burned from three metres away. He extended his open palm toward the candle and took a low stance. With a twitch, the candle extinguished, as though blown out by a great wind. Total darkness clamped down over the area. A few seconds later, there was light again as Shinsaku re-lit it a matchstick. Danny was standing expectantly in front of Andy with a little smile. Andy was incredulous.
    “Ok, you got me. First, it can't be the fucking wind from that distance. Second, I don't understand what happened so it looks like magic to me... but I don't believe in fucking magic! So what's the trick, what was that!?” said Andy, still a bit dumbstruck.
    “You are right, it is not magic... but it is not a trick either. We will have plenty of time to talk about it later. I am happy to see you back Andy... really. It's been a while.”
    The two men shook hands, their silent agreement stretching in a long shadow through the light of the sizzling candle.

 
     
     
    CHAPTER 6
     
    Quebec City, June 1986.
     
    “Thank you, officer, I’ll tell him…”
    “Once more, my condolences, ma’am. I know you’ve known them for several years.”
    “Thank you. They’ve been good friends and neighbours for years. It’s horrible, to die that way,” said Lucie.
    “They never had a chance to get out. The driver of the truck had fallen asleep. It changed lanes and hit Mr. and Mrs. Namara head-on. Their automobile was a total wreck. We identified them by… their dental records,” said the police officer as gently as possible.
    “My god, how am I going to tell Danny? They were the only family he had…”
    “Are you saying there are no other family members?”
    “No, none. His parents were his only family and now there’s no one. How do you tell a six-year-old child that here’s no one he can count on in his life?”
    “I… I don’t know, ma’am. Honestly, it’s horrible for a young man. I wish you well. But you also know that if he in fact has no other family, he must be taken into custody by child protection services to find him a foster home.”
    “I know, yes, I understand. I’ll take him in until you can find a family.”
    Lucie could hardly believe the policeman’s words. She had seen the Namaras that morning leaving and they had waved their hand. They had left thus daily for many years. And suddenly… they were no more. It was a nightmare. And, Danny was still at school. He would return in about two hours. How to announce this tragedy? She didn’t have the strength, she who had had cardiac troubles. Moreover, she knew that the news would hang heavy in Danny’s memory until the end of his days and that, the only thing that he would remember of her, was this hideous moment. She was going to wait for Danny in front of his house. She would announce the news when he arrived home on foot. When she saw Danny walking down the street with his red knapsack, Lucy’s heart began to accelerate. He mounted the stairs to the porch, smiling calmly at Lucie seated on the steps.
    “Hi Lucy, Mommy isn’t home yet. She won’t be late.”
    “Hi, Danny. We need to talk. Your parents had an accident today…”
    “What kind of accident?”
    “A car accident. A driver fell asleep on the road and hit your parents.”
    Danny was pale and frozen. His eyes opened wide as he searched her face.
    “Are they… hurt?”
    “They died, Danny, I’m so sorry. They didn’t have a chance. I just got the news.”
    Danny didn’t talk. He stayed still without saying a word, without any expression, eyes wide. Suddenly his eyes filled with tears. It was too much for her, he would never be able to forget that face. She felt herself crying as well.
    “No, no! You’re lying, I saw them this morning, they’re fine!”
    “I’m sorry,” Lucy sobbed.
    “No!” he cried.
    “Come here, Danny…”
    “No! Leave me alone, leave me alone!” he yelled.
    He ran from her, his