Page 87 of Dahlias, Sapphires, and Cool Autumn Dusk

I shook my head, but I vaguely remembered stealing the bag from Phoenix so he didn’t get caught with it. “No,” since I honestly didn’t know the consequences, just that they would’ve been worse for him.

“It’s a felony. Normally, one that would result in very serious jail time; however, your family, much to my chagrin, has made other arrangements.” She stood, closing the folder and tapping it on the table once for emphasis. “I would like for you to tell us, who is your dealer? That is a huge amount of ketamine. Where did you get it, Alatheia? If you tell us, things will go a bit better for you.”

I swallowed, but no one ever offered me a drink, so my mouth was still bone dry. I knew where Phoenix got his drugs, and even where Joe lived, but I knew better than to say anything. Phoenix didn’t respect Hal because he tattled. I wouldn’t do the same.Besides, I didn’t buy any drugs; Maggie drugged me. I stole the bag from Phoenix.

I pinched my lips together, making it obvious I didn’t intend to answer before I said, “I don’t remember.”

She sighed and slammed the door on her way out of the room.

The lawyer cleared his throat. “We spoke to Judge Kent.” I nodded, although I didn’t know any judges, not to mention ones named Kent. “He knew your family for a long time, so since this is your first offense, we made special arrangements for you. You will be going away to a school specifically intended for rehabilitation for your bad behavior.”

My what?I finally found my voice. “I don’t have bad behavior.”

He sighed, opening his own folder and pointing at a page as if it mattered. “I could go down the list, if you like. We have the ruckus at Pullman, both in the locker room and in the classroom of a much beloved teacher.”

A ruckus?“Are you talking about Collins?”

He sighed, standing. “We’re not getting anywhere with this conversation. Follow me. The school awaits you, and this is your second chance. Do you understand what I’m telling you? If you screw this up, you’re going to jail for a felony. Your life will beover.”

I rose slowly, my hands shaking. “I don’t feel well, and I want to speak to Kit Lent.”

“Not an option.” He shook his head. “As I said, follow me, Alatheia.”

This can’t be happening. I stopped at the garbage can, where thankfully I puked instead of on my shoes. The lawyer awkwardly waited, not even offering me a drink or a paper towel when I finished retching.

I followed him, because I wasn’t sure what else to even do. I was being sent away, and I couldn’t stop them. It might be awful but as a minor, I knew I wouldn’t be able to stop them. I thought about the promises they made, how they said they would come for me if I got taken away, and my heart thudded in my throat.They promised. Barrett. Julian. Jeremy. Phoenix. They said they would come.

The nameless lawyer practically dragged me from the room, since I apparently dawdled along too slowly. Soon I stood outside in the cold, the wind biting at my arms and warn ing of winter.

Two men waited, their arms crossed as they stared me down. A gray haired guy and a younger, dark haired one, both huge and burly, like linebackers.

“Your family arranged for us to escort you to school. We can do this the easy way or the hard way. You won’t like the hard way, but I might,” said the gray haired one with an oily grin.

I swallowed. “I’m not trouble.”

“You are, but you won’t be soon.” The door to the van opened and they shoved me inside. The older man stuck a needle in my arm. I cried out, not sure what was happening, then held my arm in shock. The world tilted right, everything slanting before going black. I closed my eyes, thinking,This can’t be good.

I haven’t writtenin a month. Not since the diagnosis, but I have to today. My heart is breaking, but not because of my own worries. No, I weep for my dear Alatheia. She went missing, and no one has been able to find her. Kit’s partner tried to get to her, but he got turned away, everything locked in juvenile records.Her family prepared for the opportunity, as if they were just biding their time.

It is awful. I was there when Kit told the boys she was gone—and that we don’t yet know where. My sons will find her. They are such good men. But the boys—my hearts—they’re devastated. Phoenix completely fell apart, but perhaps in the long run that will be a good thing. He actually asked Eric for help—a first since he was tiny. Thank the Lord, perhaps he will be off drugs soon. They’ll send him to the lake, to the clinic that helped so many of us over the years.

The other side of the lake won’t be able to touch him.

But it isn’t just Phoenix who fell apart when she went missing. They’ve all collapsed. I don’t know what will happen until we get her back, but I know I don’t want to shift the attention to me right now. After they get Alatheia back, I will tell them.

Until then, they need me strong, so I will be strong. Robert always said I was good in a crisis, but I feel so helpless now. Kit told me not to interfere just yet. If he needs me, he’ll tell me. My loves are calling me home, but I can’t come yet, Boys. Not yet. The children still need me.

DL