The man looked at Tag and his fear was real and palatable. How- how- how did you find me? he stammered.
It really wasnt hard. You just have to know where to look. I am surprised that you picked this terrible cinema to hide in. You couldve at least picked one more enjoyable.
There would have been more people. Are you here to finish the job? he asked.
That depends.
On what?
On whether or not you meant what you said tonight, Tag said. You have done a lot of people harm and you should pay for your actions, but I dont intend to be the one to exact the price from you.
Then why are you here if not to kill me?
Sit down, Tag said. Im sorry about your drink and popcorn, but I think it would have been worse if you had seen me coming.
Youre right; I wouldve died of a heart attack.
Im going to ask you some questions and Ill know if youre telling the truth. Just to show you that Im able to do that, give whatever answer you want for the next few minutes and Ill tell you when you lie. Tag had discovered that after he had felt the truth field in his mind he was able to recreate the field around him. How, he didnt know, but he could tell when he was being lied to. Whats your name?
John.
Thats a lie. How old are you?
Forty-two.
Thats true.
Whats your wifes name?
Ruth.
That also is a lie. How many children do you have?
Four.
Thats true. Whats your favorite color?
Red.
Thats also true.
Okay, okay; I can see youll know.
Now, your future depends on your honesty from this point forward. Do you understand?
Yes, but I thought you werent going to kill me.
Im not. But I can tell security where you live and direct them to your little stash of disguises.
The man said, Id rather you just kill me now than lead them to my family.
Then its important that you be completely honest. Why did you say you had to resort to robbery to support your family?
Im a retired naval marine. After I retired I thought that my wife and I could support ourselves and our children on her job and my retirement, but she got sick. Now shes not able to work and I cant get another job, because my retirement would end if I go to work again. My test scores in school were average, so Im not qualified for a higher paying job. Ive looked, and most jobs that I can take pay less than my retirement. My family was hungry. We were close to losing our living quarters. I had to do something, and one of the men you killed in our first meeting offered to pay me if I would help him.
So you go out and kill people.
No, I didnt. If you remember in our first meeting I didnt attack you. My purpose was to keep you from running. I didnt know that they were planning to kill their victims. Once they killed someone, then I was just as guilty, and they threatened to tell security about me and kill my family if I didnt continue to help them. I never killed anyone, but that doesnt excuse me because I was there when they did it and I prevented their victims from escaping. Tonight you killed the brother of the man who recruited me. Now theres no one left to threaten me. I can stop now.
Tag could tell that the man was telling the truth. He felt certain that eventually he would have to pay for his crimes, but maybe not tonight. What will you do now to help feed your family?
I dont know, but I wont ever do anything again that would hurt another person.
Whats your name?
The man hesitated a long moment, then said, Do you really need to know that?
Yes.
What the hell. My name is Richard Wiseman.
Well, Richard, you and I have a common problem now. The enforcement committee is looking for both of us. Theyre looking for me primarily because of the two attacks you and your friends committed on me. Even though I defended myself, they think I represent a real danger to be running loose in society.
I cant say I blame them, Richard said under his breath.
Tag continued, They didnt know who I was until your attack tonight. Now they do, and Im going to have to hide from them probably for the rest of my life. Life as I know it is over and Richard, you had a major role in that.
How old are you? Richard asked.
I just turned eighteen. I havent even graduated yet.
Then how do you do the things you do when you fight? Ive never seen anyone move as fast as you do or kill so quickly. Who taught you that?
Tag thought for a moment then said, Richard, before I answer that I think I need to share what Im thinking about. You have a real problem supporting your family. I have to have a place to hide, and I also need to learn how to hide. Im thinking that we can help each other.
Are you serious? I should be the last person you would trust after all that has happened, and I cant help but think that you want to kill me. Besides, Richard said, How can you help me?
I can bring you enough credits to take care of your family, but only that and nothing more. I am not going to make you rich.
How would you get the credits?
Ill steal it.
Richard started laughing. I thought you were being serious. Just what qualifies you to be a thief?
Well, perhaps Im better than you think, Tag said. Then he handed Richards wallet to him.
How did you get that?
Pretty much the same way Ill get you the credits you need to live. However, you also have a responsibility in this arrangement. Youre going to have to let me live with you and teach me how to hide effectively. If you need a larger place to live, Ill get the money you need to move. I know youre nervous about exposing your family to someone like me that you see as a huge danger, but youre going to have to decide whether or not the risk is worth taking.
Whats your name?
Im not going to give you my real name, and before you start yelling about fair play, remember, you have to use your real name around your family. Would you want your children going to school using my name? If you dont know it, then they wont. Youll both be safer and can be honest in a truth field if asked if you know anyone with my name.
Wiseman thought for a moment and then said, That sounds reasonable. What do I call you?
Daniel Leach, Tag answered. Tag was already missing Danielle but he knew he could never contact her. It would jeopardize her career and force her to choose between him and her job. This was another price to be paid for helping Leila. Was it worth it? If he hadnt, he would have never met Danielle. He could still feel her inside him and the pain was just beginning. Yes, it was worth it. Short as it was, she was worth it. Do we have a deal?
Yes, Richard said. Something you said lets me know that I can trust you, Daniel.
Whats that?
You told me that you would never intentionally hurt anyone. I could tell you were sincere under a high-stress situation. I believe my family will probably be safer with you around.
You have no idea how much safer they will be, Richard. I can see trouble from a long way off.
Youve shown me that twice now.
I need you to help me. I have got to go and make sure my parents are okay. Do you have a transportation pass, and can you help me change how I look before I go?
Yes I have a pass, and I can walk home from here, and I have enough in my bag to make you unrecognizable.
Then lets do it this way. I will go home and check on my parents. You go home and make sure its okay with your family if a new boarder moves in. You can tell them Im going to help with the expenses. If everything is okay, meet me here in this cinema tomorrow evening at this same time. If it isnt, then go live your life, Richard, and Ill pray for your family.