The complaints get louder, a chorus ofcome on, mananddo you have to call themrising up from the group, but I've never been the type of officer to look the other way just because a bunch of teenagers think consequences don't apply to them.
"Yeah, I do have to call them.You know what would've been easier?Being in class like you're supposed to be."I start collecting information, one kid at a time, while Van takes notes on his own pad, clearly picking up more from watching me handle it than he would from any textbook.
"This is what happens when you skip school to drink at a public dock in the middle of a Tuesday.Someone finds out, and it's usually us."
Once I've got everyone's information, Van and I split the calls between us, standing off to the side while I dial the first number.The parent on the other end goes through the expected stages, shock first, followed quick by anger, and finally an apology directed at me for their kid's behavior that I don't really need but appreciate anyway.
"Ma'am, he's fine, just needs a ride home and probably a conversation about better decisions."I glance over at the kid, who's staring at his shoes like they've suddenly become the most interesting thing in the world."We're not filing charges, but I'd recommend having a serious talk with him before he does something that does end up on his record."
By the time Van and I finish working through the group, we've got five sets of parents on their way to collect embarrassed, sobered-up teenagers, and a stretch of grass littered with empty cans that a couple of the kids are picking up under my direction, since littering on top of underage drinking isn't exactly a good look either.
"That was different than I expected," Van says once we're back in the truck, watching the first parent's car pull into the lot.
"How so?"It’s always interesting to see how other officers think of what you do.
"I figured you'd cite them or something.You know, make an example of them."
We watch as the last of the kids’ parents get there, and collect their wayward son.
"Sometimes I do.It really depends on the kid, depends on the situation."I pull back onto the main road, leaving the dock behind us in the rearview."These kids weren't causing trouble beyond being where they shouldn't be.Scaring them straight and getting their parents involved does more good than slapping them with a fine most of their families can't afford anyway.You'll learn when it's worth pushing harder and when a warning does the job."
"Makes sense."
We finish out the rest of the shift running through non-emergent calls and driving all along the back roads of Laurel Springs.Van handles himself well for a first day, asking the right questions, staying quiet when he needs to, and by the time we're pulling back into the station lot, I'm convinced Drake made a decent call pairing him with me.
"Same time tomorrow?"Van asks as we head inside to clock out.
"Same time tomorrow."I clap him on the shoulder the same way Drake did earlier."You did good today, kid.Don't let the quiet days fool you though.Laurel Springs isn't always this calm."
"Noted."
I finish up my paperwork faster than usual, eager to get out of the station and back to my house, back to the two people waiting on me there.It's been a long day, but knowing Macie's got Nicole entertained, probably elbow-deep in some kind of craft project or building blanket forts in the living room, makes the drive home feel shorter than it actually is.
By the time I pull into my driveway, the porch light's already on, and I can see movement through the front window, the shadow is short, which means Nicole's probably still riding whatever sugar high she talked Macie into letting her have.I sit in my truck for a second longer than necessary, just taking in the sight of my own house looking lived-in and warm in a way it hasn't in longer than I want to admit.
Then I head inside, ready for whatever chaos and comfort is waiting for me on the other side of that door.
Chapter15
Macie
It's been a good day, I realize around noon when Nicole lays down for a nap.I take the moment to go into the bathroom and clean myself up a little.We made cookies, and then had a finger painting project.She's one of the sweetest little girls I've ever had the pleasure of meeting.
I hate that she hasn't had her mother in her life, because she's such a good kid.Squaring my shoulders, I look at myself in the mirror.Yesterday all I'd seen were the remnants of the attack.Today?Darren has given me new marks to look at.
I have love bites on my neck, and beard burn on various parts of my body.I'll wear all of these with pride.At least they slightly distract from the bruising on my face.
I'm finishing up brushing my teeth and doing my morning skincare when someone comes through the front door."Mom are you here?Tried calling you and figured since you didn't pick up you're here."
I don't know who this is, but I'm assuming it's Darren's sister, Ella.I've never met her, but I've seen her around town.Quickly, I finish up in the bathroom, and go out."Hey, Nic is napping," I say quietly.
"Oh my God, I'm so sorry!"She puts her hand on her chest and then looks at me with a sharp gaze."Are you her babysitter?"
"I guess you could call me that, today.I'm Macie, you must be Ella."
She gives me a small smile."I am, how do you know me?"
"I've been friends with Darren for a while and he's talked about you."
