Simpson was resisting his treatment again. Carver showered, ate, and patched his overcoat, but still couldn’t clear his head. Too many bad thoughts were colliding in his mind. He craved reassurance. “Are you going to get involved in the case?” Carver asked his mentor. “No.” “But…” “No. I don’t do that sort of thing anymore.” “What should I… ?” “It’s your life, not mine. You’ll have to figure out what to do with yourself next.” Carver had no idea, not in the least. With Hawking constantly cursing as he fidgeted with the tiny screws, he felt as if he’d soon explode. Desperate, he begged to be allowed to go to the city. “Why?” “I have to get out of here. I feel like I’m going crazy.” “What better place for it? But I understand your point.” Hawking grumbled slightly, then said, “If your father wanted to find you, he could have done so years ago. As long as you’re not looking for him, you should be safe. And stay away from Tudd, too. For the moment at least.
