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Dexter considered me for a second before asking, “You ready to talk to Corey? We’re meeting him in his attorney’s office.”
“I’m ready.” I was ready to figure this out, confront my past, and get back to Remi. She needed me, and more than just for protection.
* * *
Sitting in the law firm’s conference room, I needed to know if Corey was responsible for the incident at Max’s. I needed to know what we were dealing with.
Avery walked into the room, followed by Ryan and Corey. They sat across from us.
“I understand that there was another incident last night, and you’d like to ask Corey a few more questions. In light of the situation, I’ll allow some leeway.”
“I appreciate it,” I said to Avery. Then to Corey, I asked, “Did you break into Max’s Bar & Grill?”
“No.”
“Did you spray paint graffiti on Ms. Lennox’s shop windows? Remi’s Juice Shop?”
“Yes.”
“How did you get into the Spice & Tea Shoppe?”
“The door was open.” Corey looked from his dad to me, took a deep breath, and continued, “I was angry about being here. I wanted to do something. Destroy something.”
Dexter exchanged a look with me. Corey probably didn’t know why he was doing these things, but I guessed he wanted his dad’s attention.
“Do you know what it means to tell the truth?”
“I do. I never wanted to hurt anyone. I think I was hoping Dad would get tired of me and send me back.”
Ryan shifted like he wanted to say something, but Avery held up a hand to stop him.
“And now?” I wasn’t in my capacity as a police officer with this question; I was genuinely curious.
“I liked helping out with the fundraiser. I signed up for basketball at Rebel Sports.”
“You like it?”
Corey nodded.
“Why don’t you send me your schedule. We’d like to see one of your games.”
Dexter nodded in agreement.
A flush came over Corey’s face. “Yeah, okay.”
Knowing that was the most we were getting out of him today, I stood. “Thanks for coming in.”
Corey’s eyes widened. “You believe me?”
“It’s not up to me, but I believe you’re being honest when you say you didn’t mean to harm anyone. That you weren’t involved in the incident at Max’s.”
“I wasn’t. I’m sorry for the trouble I caused.”
“He’s working at Hailey’s shop in an effort to pay her back,” Ryan added, clearly pleased with his son’s actions.
I was impressed that he was taking responsibility for his actions. I hoped I never had to talk to him in this capacity again.
“If you give Annapolis a chance, I think you’ll like it here,” I said to Corey.
