“What is that box?” The elderly man gestured to the box of doughnuts with his chin.
“I thought you might enjoy these,” he said with a little shrug.
“If you offer, I’ll enjoy.” The old man cracked a smile.
An hour later, Luca had learned that DeVaughn’s father, Vaughn Washington, had died in a truck driving accident when DeVaughn was five years old, and his mother’s father, Abe, a widower, had moved in to share the expenses and make sure the boy got to school. DeVaughn’s mother, Ida, worked housekeeping in a “fancy hotel” on weekdays. Ida frowned at DeVaughn when he accidentally let it slip that she also worked for cash on Sundays cleaning a rich lady’s apartment.
“I told you not to tell no one that,” she admonished him.
“It’s okay, Mrs. Washington. I didn’t hear anything.” Luca grinned at the lady, who smiled her relief.
“So what do you want with our DeVaughn?” the old man asked bluntly.
“I was hoping you’d let me take him to the Youth Community Center later today,” Luca suggested. “It’s a great place for kids to hang out.”
“We heard about that place,” Ida said, refilling Luca’s coffee. “But we like that DeVaughn stays close to home when he’s not in school.”
“I can understand that. But they offer supervision, help with homework, and organized activities. It’s a positive environment, and he can meet kids his own age. I’ll keep an eye on him.”
Ida glanced at her son’s eager expression. “You want to go to this place with Luca?”
“Yes, Mama. I promise I won’t get into no trouble.”
Ida set the coffeepot down and wrapped her arms around her son. “You promise to be good?”
The boy nodded, and she kissed him on the head. “Okay, you can go, just to see what it’s like for now.”
“Thanks, Mama.” DeVaughn beamed at his mother and turned to Luca. “Can you still help me fix my bike?”
“What happened to your bike?” Abe asked.
“A nail got stuck in the tire, and Luca said he would fix it for me.”
Abe nodded. “I used to be good with things like that, but now I’m too old.”
“It’s okay, Grandpa. You can watch TV and rest.”
Abe smiled. “Yes, watching TV shows is about all I can do now. That and dream about winning the lottery.”
Ida rolled her eyes, and Luca laughed at the twinkling expression in the old man’s eyes. As far as Luca was concerned, an important part of his job was helping the community. Some cops did it while other cops just drove their beat, hauled drunks into jail, and then went home. But Luca wanted to make a difference. Even if he could only help a few families, he would do what he could.
* * *
It was now or never.
Dawn walked up to the girl sitting alone.
“Hi there.”
The girl didn’t look up. “Hullo.”
“I see you’re reading.” Oh, great first opener.
“Yeah.”
“A Separate Peace. That’s a tough book for a kid your age.”
The girl shrugged. “It’s okay. I have to read it for school. I already saw the movie.”
