“Leave.” Captain Jackson nodded towards the door. “He deserves to keep his dignity. You can see him when he’s better.”
Dobkins had stepped away. Vivienne cast a last glance at him, a long moment, before leaving the room with Dobkins on her heels. The captain shut the door behind them.
“What can I do for him?” Vivienne asked.
“Stay away. It’s better for now. There are too many police around, which could go on for days, and a lady visiting this area might attract attention. I examined him. His vocal cords are badly damaged. An infection, most likely from a serious bout of influenza, is my guess. He was probably a child. He doesn’t remember much.”
“It’s a miracle he survived,” Dobkins said.
“Exactly, which makes me think his family didn’t. Once Lion Boy became an orphan, Cade might have become his guardian, and the bastard saw an opportunity there.”
Vivienne swallowed past the lump in her throat.
The captain’s expression softened. “It would be good if you could try to find a way to teach him to read and write after this is over, so he can communicate with us. It’s a nightmare to ask him only questions he can answer with yes or no.”
“Do you know his name?” she asked.
“He doesn’t have one.”
A shock of stillness went through her.
“I thought to call him Samuel,” he said in a low voice.
“Why Samuel?” Vivienne wiped her eyes.
Dobkins stared at Captain Jackson with something like respect. “Because it means ‘He listens’.”
“Lion Boy liked it.” He lifted a shoulder. “The lad might be speechless, but I’m sure he can be heard by those who want to listen to him. Now, please leave. If something happens, I’ll let you know.”
Vivienne nodded. “Thank you, Captain. Please keep him alive.”
