Gone (Michael Bennett)

means, did you catch that Perrine guy?” Ricky said.
    “Exactly,” said Trent. “Do we have to move again?”
    I pictured Perrine once more, on the stretcher with his head blown open. I’d been so pissed at the Mexicans, but that feeling was gone now. They’d done me a favor. Done the world a favor.
    “Yes, Trent,” I said. “I hate to break it to you, but unfortunately, we’re going to have to move again.”
    I waited for the collective groan.
    “Where this time?” asked Eddie, who sounded like he was about to cry.
    “I don’t know. I was thinking of this place—what’s it called again?” I said, scratching my head.
    “Nooo! It’s so nowhere Dad doesn’t even know what it’s called!” Bridget cried out.
    “No, wait,” I said. “I remember now. It’s Man … something. Manhattan? That’s it. Manhattan. I hear West End Avenue is nice this time of year.”
    All around, little eyes and mouths opened in shock. There were more O’s than in a box of Cheerios. The kids started cheering then. The cops and Cody looked over as my kids screamed and leaped up and down. The dogs started barking. Even Seamus got up and did a little jig before he threw an arm over my shoulder.
    “God love ya, Michael Bennett!” he said.

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    Epub ISBN 9781448108299
     
    www.randomhouse.co.uk
     
    Published by Century, 2013
     
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    Copyright © James Patterson, 2013
     
    James Patterson has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work
     
    This novel is a work of fiction. Names and characters are the product of the author’s imagination and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, is entirely coincidental
     
    First published in Great Britain in 2013 by
Century
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    Hardback ISBN 9781780890098
Trade paperback ISBN 9781780890104