MAY 2008, Talk to Me excerpt


Also standing, I stepped forward, extending my hand. “Mr. Norton.”
“Noel Richardson, huh? Mackenzie said I’d be pleased and impressed. So far, I’m waiting for both.”
When the bearded man didn’t stir to reciprocate my greeting, Mackenzie moved to my left side, took my hand, and gave it a squeeze. A gesture Mr. Norton didn’t miss or seem to like. Pulling back my hand, I stuffed it in my pocket while he sized me up. The man didn’t know me besides a name, yet his expression showed nothing but contempt.
“Stop it, Daddy. I’m not nine. I’m twenty-nine,” Mackenzie ordered.
“I’m sorry, sir, I meant no disrespect.” The kiss outside his door must’ve really ticked him off, but apologizing seemed the proper thing to do. I wanted to get beyond that.
“Well, Mr. Richardson, sit down. Let’s get this show on the road.”
“Show on the road?” I frowned and looked at Mackenzie for an explanation, but she shrugged. Mr. Norton’s body language told me I’d missed some of his words. When I turned back to face him, I lip-read “…you’re going to hit the road.”
Stepping carefully in front of him, I cupped my right hand and pointed it down into the palm of my flat left hand, signing repeat. “I’m deaf.”
“Ah naw,” Fred Norton responded, rolling his head as he dived for me.
Mackenzie jumped and barricaded me. I gently pushed her out of harms way. I would try my best not to hurt the man, but I steeled my body for him to get his best shot before I would restrain him.
When I dodged his first swing, I had to admit this wasn’t how I imagined my year would end.