The child's pleading eyes and outstretched hand dug at painful memories John had worked hard to bury. When he turned away, stern eyes and hands on hips awaited him.

"You can't even spare a smile for that boy, John?"

John blew out a tired sigh. "To what end, Mary? That boy's fate is as meat for the predators out there. Or meat for the Magistrate's axe – just like what happened to Jimmy."