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Stavros understood Darren better than the teen knew. “What does he want you to be?”
“An attorney like he is and go into politics.”
Stavros bowed his head. “And what do you want to be?”
“I don’t know yet! One day I’ll figure it out.”
“Do you have siblings?”
“No. I’m the golden child.”
That made the boy’s journey much harder. “Now that you’re eighteen, you can choose the life you want to live.”
Darren looked up at him, imploring him to understand. “Dad just doesn’t get it, so I ran away. I wasn’t going to stay away a long time.”
“You were hoping he’d suffer enough to see the light.” Stavros got it. “I have an idea. Go with the police and meet with your parents. Tell them the honest truth. If your father still can’t be persuaded, then you’ll have to decide whether you can stand to alienate him and go your own way.”
Darren nodded. “I can stand it. I don’t want to be an attorney.”
“But you still love him, right?”
“Yeah.”
“Then stick to your guns, but don’t shut him out. In time I’m sure things will work out.”
“You think?”
“I do.”
Tears filled the boy’s eyes.
“Here comes the lieutenant. I’ll talk to him.”
“You will?”
“Of course.”
“Thanks for listening.” He looked at Andrea. “Thanks for being so nice.”
“You’re welcome, Darren. Remember how lucky you are to have two parents who care so much. My dad had to raise me because my mom died when I was born. He loved me to death the way I’m sure your parents love you. Try to remain calm when you talk to them. When they see how rational you are, they’ll be more receptive.”
“I doubt it,” he muttered.
Stavros jumped out, then helped Andrea down. “Come on.” He turned to Darren, who got to his feet and climbed down the tailgate with his backpack.
While two officers started talking to him, Stavros took the lieutenant aside and told him about the boy’s fears. “He’s having problems with his father about what he wants to do with his life.”
“I had the same problem with my father at that age.”
Yup. “I know he’s not violent or dangerous. Just unhappy. We’ve talked and he’s promised to go willingly to Thessaloniki and have a talk with his parents. Let me know what happens.”
“Of course. Congratulations on finding him so quickly. This is a great relief for everyone.”
“He might not have been caught without the help of Despinis Linford.”
The lieutenant turned to shake her hand before following his officers, who escorted Darren off the ferry to the police van. The teen waved to them. They waved back.
Stavros looked at Andrea and glimpsed tears in her fabulous blue eyes. She was equally anxious for Darren to reconcile with his father. “Let’s go home, Andrea.”
