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TJ shifted uncomfortably. “This kid at school was the only one who was nice to me when I first got there. He took an interest. Got a few bullies off my back. He seemed cool at first. He gave me music gift cards sometimes. That’s mostly what we talked about. Then he introduced me to a few of his other friends. They were older. They played pranks on people and it was fun at first. But then they started doing other stuff.”
Belle’s body trembled as she sat across from them.
TJ continued, his eyes glued to the table. “They broke into some cars, houses. I didn’t want to do it, but Junior told me that I owed him for dealing with the bullies at school. Said all I had to do was be the lookout. I did it a few times, but I felt so guilty. I told him I was done. But they just laughed at me. He pulled a knife on me and told me that if I didn’t fall in line, he and his friends would come visit Belle. They’d take turns . . .”
Bently’s fists clenched and he ground his teeth. “Keep going.”
“That night in the alley, that was the last time. He kept getting bolder. I thought he was gonna kill Dre . . . I didn’t have a choice.” Tears spilled from TJ’s eyes. “I’m so sorry.”
“Why didn’t you tell me, TJ? I could have helped.” Belle’s voice choked.
TJ shook his head. “I knew you’d be disappointed in me. I figured I would do whatever it took to protect you, like you did for me. Then Bently showed up and I thought maybe he could keep you safe. I knew I had to go to college, and having him around would be good for you.”
“What does Junior look like?”
TJ blinked, turning his gaze to Bently. “Few inches taller than me. Blond hair, blue eyes.”
“Did you know he was the one that attacked me?” Bently pressed.
TJ shook his head vehemently. “No. I thought maybe it was him, because he hated cops. Loathed them. He specifically talked about the sheriff. I didn’t think anything of it until I met you. But I was never sure.”
Could this be the same guy? His gut told him yes.
“You stopped hanging out with him and he’s just left you alone?” Bently asked.
“Yes. I haven’t hung out since Mia and Dre. He’s come up to me at school a few times . . . Uh . . . left a dead rat in my locker. Stuff like that. Haven’t seen him since school let out. I just steered clear of him and ignored it.”
Belle covered her mouth and squeezed her eyes shut as she shook her head.
Bently wanted to comfort her, but he was torn in two. TJ had known this whole time who was most likely behind this danger and he hadn’t said anything. The kid was as slow to trust and quick to protect as his sister.
“Why didn’t you say something sooner?”
“I thought the message on the truck was for me. I thought Junior wanted me to pay, not you. I was trying to wait it out. But then you told me about the photo and I realized I’d been wrong . . . but he’d stopped. I figured he moved on after the prank.”
Silence descended on them as Bently struggled through the warring emotions. “You need to tell me everything you know about this Junior. Where does he live?”
“I only know where he hangs out. It’s like his clubhouse,” TJ answered.
Bently shifted his gaze, searching for any sign of dishonesty. “You gotta be honest with me. If there is anything else you know, you have to tell me now.”
“That’s everything I can think of.”
“Is his real name Junior?”
“Uh, I heard a few teachers call him Joseph before,” TJ answered.
Bently pushed a pen towards him and stood. “Write down the address.”
TJ nodded and picked up the pen as Belle stood and walked towards him.
“What are you going to do?” she asked, her voice wavering.
“I’m going to take care of it.”
“I’m sorry, Bently. I didn’t know.” She bit her lip.
He pulled her into his arms, kissing the top of her head. “I know, Angel.”
