"I got that from you."
"From me?"
"Yes, from watching my big brother as we were growing up."
"If that were ever true, then I lost it along the way."
"Raymond, do you remember that day you said you were going to drive down to the shore? I was eleven. I asked if I could go along, and your answer floated down to me from the heavens. You said okay. I couldn't believe it. Just the two of us, me and my big brother driving down the Atlantic City Expressway. I remember every mile."
"Oh, yeah, I remember that day."
"You let me pick out the spot on the beach. You told me not to go out too far and threw me a towel when I came back. Stuff like that. Oh God, I loved that day. You gave me money, and I walked over by myself to get sodas. I knew you liked Pepsi. We sat sipping our drinks as if on a date. I remember exactly where I was when you called me 'Sis' and said I was pretty. That was the happiest day of my life."
"I've always thought you were pretty."
"Well, isn't that just grand. Now that makes a total of twice in my life you've told me." She turned her head quickly.
He noticed her brushing her eyes. "Sandy, uh...look. Just go ahead and do this your way. I know you're doing it for me. I trust you. I can handle county jail, if it comes to that. I might need some medication, but whatever it takes, I'll handle it."
She realized that Moran's offer was reasonable. He would permit bail. That was the number one consideration. However, she didn't want to agree to leave town and leave her brother in limbo waiting for Moran to decide on a better suspect. What she really didn't like was the fact that he was negotiating only because Linda had lied to him. Linda would soon be found out and was doomed whatever happened. Or maybe not. Sandy had another thought. A possible solution to all of this had just occurred to her.
She took the phone and spoke, "Jerry, put Moran on the phone. I want to speak with him directly."
"You shouldn't do that. He's in no mood for you, Sandy. I can promise you that."
"Put him on anyway."
Moran came on. "This better be good."
"We have something to talk about, Mr. Moran. In a few days, some fresh names and alleged incidents will start circulating. You need to avoid being asked a bunch of questions you'd rather not answer. You also need my brother under arrest to placate the public. Okay so far?"