AllFreeNovel
Share Us
Damn it, Trey.
Why did he shoplift?
Why didn’t he come to me if he needed money?
Kyle leads me into a dimly lit office reeking of mothballs. Trey is sitting in a chair, and surprisingly, he’s not wearing handcuffs. Mr. Garfield, the store’s owner, is at his side, worry lining his wrinkled face. His wife is sitting in a chair behind an old desk, looking like she’s ready to rip Trey’s head off.
I cast them a glance of apology, but only Mr. Garfield will make eye contact. Today isn’t the first time someone from my family has shoplifted from here. My mom and sister were regular thieves. Mr. Garfield let it slide for a while but eventually started calling the cops. They ended up banned from the store after the tenth occurrence. I haven’t been banned yet, but Mrs. Garfield keeps a watchful eye on me. Every visit, I slip extra cash in the tip jars at the registers to make up for my family’s theft. Mr. Garfield’s soul is kinder than his wife’s.
“Seriously, Trey?” I snap with a stressed sigh as soon as the door slams shut behind me.
Regret is clear on his face. Trey isn’t a troublemaker, but he’s a survivor.
“Your family is filth,” Mrs. Garfield hisses. “Thinking they can take whatever they want.” Her glare cuts to Kyle. “I don’t know why this young man is helping you and thatthief.”
My apologetic face turns cold, and my nails bite into my palms as I clench my fists.Don’t say anything.
If I lose my cool, she’ll take it out on Trey.
“Enough, Mary,” Mr. Garfield warns his wife.
Kyle steps to my side and looks in her direction. “Mrs. Garfield, don’t act like you’ve never needed a handout in your life.”
I cringe at the wordhandout.
My blood pressure rises. We don’t needhandouts.
“I think they’ve had enoughhandouts,” Mary answers with a sneer.
“And I think you need to grow a heart,” Kyle says.
Mary strokes her throat and grimaces. “No offense, Officer, but you’re not the one losing money.”
Tears prick at my eyes, but none of them will see them fall.
“Money or not,” Kyle says, “he’s a kid.”
I open my mouth, wanting to say something, but I’m not sure how I can justify Trey’s actions. They’re inexcusable.
“Kid or not, he’s not innocent,” she continues. “Her family teaches their kids to become criminals at a young age.”
Kyle looks at Trey. “Come on, let’s get out of here, so we don’t waste any more of their time.”
Trey nervously stands up. He looks down in shame when our eyes meet, and my heart hurts for him. That was me so many years ago—surviving by any means necessary. The difference is, I had no one to go to for help. He has me.
“What are you going to do with him?” I ask Kyle, finally gaining the ability to speak before opening my purse. “I’ll pay for whatever he took and extra for the inconvenience.”
Kyle waves away my offer. “Don’t worry about it. I’m not arresting him.” He tilts his head toward Trey. “Stay out of trouble, or next time, I won’t be as nice.”
“What?” I blurt out.
“Officer Lane paid for what your nephew stole and extra for our troubles,” Mr. Garfield explains with a nervous smile. “We won’t be pressing charges against Trey.”
I let out a huge breath. “Thank you so much. I’m so sorry, and it won’t happen again.”
“I understand struggle, dear,” Mr. Garfield says. “Don’t let my wife get you down. She’s having a rough day. We both know you’re a good girl.”
I look at Mary and lock eyes with her, hoping she’ll see my gratitude. “Thank you again.”
