Chapter 43

“When I was old enough, I asked her how I could be named after a man she didn’t even meet until years after I was born. She said he was such a great man, and I was such a great boy, we deserved to share a name, so she changed it.”

“What’s your original name?” I asked.

“That she won’t tell me, Sal.” AJ chuckled. “Can you believe it? For over twenty-five years, she’s managed to keep it a secret. ‘If you don’t know who you are,’ she says, ‘it’s easier to be anyone you want.’ We’re, oh, so very theatrical. One would think I could remember, but I honestly don’t. Either way, I’m happy to be Moses Aldrich, Jr.”

“Moses…” Abby said. “I knew him.”

“You work at Putnam Hospital?” AJ raised his hand to block the glare of the sun and just kept his eyes locked upon her.

“Yes. I didn’t put it together,” she told him.

“Then I suppose we’ve met before. Forgive me for not remembering.”