“Unfortunately, I have heard that,” said Alec.
“How much can you sign?”asked Keith.She tried to position her fingers just right and then moved very slowly.
“I can say my name,” she signed slowly.“S-u-t-t-o-n.I can sign hello.I love you.And danger.I can do a few other things but not very fast.”
“I could teach all of you how to speak very fast,”smiled Keith.
“What’d he say?” she asked.
“He said he could teach all of you how to speak very fast,” said Alec.“We own a school for the deaf and children who are alone or in danger.Everyone would have their own room, you’d have your own bathroom, clean clothes, and the best food you could ever hope for.”
“Do we have to see doctors?” she asked.
“Only to be sure that none of you are sick.For instance, that boy over there has a cut on his foot that looks infected.We want to get that taken care of so it doesn’t get worse.”
She reached inside the small sack hanging over her shoulder and pulled out a tablet and marker.In spelling and writing that indicated she was way behind other children her age, she wrote a note to her friends.
The children all stared at her, then at the men behind her.One of the little girls slapped her arm, then a cheek, then her own bottom.
“No.They won’t hurt us,” she said not believing it herself.
All she knew was they were right.They needed food, clothing, and a safe place to sleep.At least for now.The children nodded, following Sutton and the men toward the parking lot.As they were squeezed into the back seat of the big SUV, Alec and Tailor took the fourth row, Cam and Hex the third row, Eric in the passenger seat and Luke driving.
He didn’t bother to turn the music on, just sitting quietly as they made their way south.They’d already given everyone notice of their cargo.When a song began playing, Eric frowned, hitting the radio button.
“It’s not on,” said Luke.
“Oh, that’s him,” said Sutton pointing toward the boy.She shrugged.“Can’t hear or speak but he can sing like an angel.”
“Holy fuck,” muttered Alec.Sutton turned around frowning.
“That’s a bad word.”
CHAPTER FIVE
“Well,” said Jane, “in spite of everything they’re all in relatively good health.The cut on the boys foot was getting infected but we cleaned it and wrapped it.A few good meals and they’ll be just fine.”
“And their deafness?” asked Luke.
“It’s like Sutton told you.Her brother, Pip, is deaf to a genetic mutation but the mistreatment of ear infections as a child didn’t help.I have no way of knowing whether or not he could hear at all before then.
“It appears his ear drums were pierced by something more than once, most likely an old technique to drain fluid on the ears.Someone was ancient when they treated him,” she said with a sad expression.
“And the others?” asked Cam.
“Melvin, Samantha, and Eden were all born deaf.No explanation for it.Charlie?Well, Charlie is truly miraculous.He cannot hear, he cannot speak, and yet if I ask him to sing, he seems to understand and is able to belt out notes that Pavarotti would be proud of.”
“But if he can do that, he should be able to speak,” said Hex.
“I would agree with you and yet, he doesn’t.I have to think that it’s a choice but the lack of hearing, that’s something I can’t explain.”
“The little girl, Sutton?” asked Eric.“She’s normal?”
“As normal as you or I,” said Jane.“She is insanely protective of all the children and wants to have them in her sights at all times.We allowed the boys to shower together with her outside the door and then let the girls shower together with the boys just at the door, their backs turned.”
“Where are they now?” asked Luke.
“Where do you think?” she smirked.“Ajei, Kate, and Sophia Ann took them to the cafeteria.I’m worried they’re going to make themselves sick they’re eating so much.”
