Adam did not touch the chips for several minutes.
He sat in the second apartment with the curtains closed and the lights dimmed, but his mind was still in that small food shop. The television image kept returning again and again: Mayor Victor Gray on the stage, John standing behind him, and Dinesh beside them.
His father had been smiling politely, like a man who believed he had met his son's friend and was only waiting for Adam to return from some college work. That smile hurt Adam more than fear would have.
His first urge had been simple.
Run.
Go to the rally. Drag Dinesh away from John. Put his father on the first bus back to the village. After that, find John and wipe that calm smile off his face.
The thought was so strong that Adam's hand had already moved toward the phone once.
He stopped himself.
'No.' Adam thought.
He leaned forward, pressing both hands together so tightly that his fingers hurt.
