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“You’re fourteen. Leaving you out on your own isn’t an option.”

“I’m not going to a foster home. Been there, done that.”

“I didn’t say anything about a foster home.”

“And where else would you send me? I don’t have a dad, and Mom’s dead.” His defiant tone almost covered the hurt he had to be feeling.

Eric pulled in a deep breath. “Look, it’s getting late. How about you stay with me tonight, and we’ll figure out next steps tomorrow.”

Dion stared at him.

“I promise, no social workers tonight.” He wasn’t leaving him here alone regardless, but Dion’s cooperation would make things much easier. He’d contact Tracy Ann, but he knew how hard it was to line up care on short notice. He was confident she’d let him handle things tonight. Morning would be soon enough to get the ball rolling on a more long-term solution.

After another moment, Dion jerked a nod. “Okay.”

Allye’s relieved exhale carried across the space between them, and Eric silently released his own. He stood and grabbed the ball cap Dion had lost in their struggle. He offered it to him. “All right, then. We’ll get your stuff and head back to town. Grab a bite to eat on the way.” Like with his brother, the mention of food sparked something in the teen’s eyes. But he didn’t comment. Just took his hat and began trudging in the direction of his makeshift campsite.

Eric returned to the trail, pausing long enough to heft Dion’s backpack onto his shoulder. He offered his other arm to Allye but kept his eye on the teen. “You up for a bit more walking, or would you rather wait here?”

She tucked her arm into his. “I’d rather not be alone.”

“Fair enough.” They followed Dion back down the trail. The teen made no attempt to run off again, but neither did he seem inclined to conversation. Eric let him be for now. He’d try to get some answers after the kid had something in his stomach.

Allye remained quiet as well. Her slightly labored breathing concerned him. So did the increasing pressure on his arm as she began to lean more heavily on him. But she didn’t complain.

When they eventually reached the parking lot, Eric eyed her car. “You sure you’re okay driving home?”

“Yes. Thank you for coming with me.” She gave him a tired smile, then reached for Dion’s hand and squeezed it—obviously surprising the teen. “I’m so glad you’re okay, Dion. I’m praying for you and your brother.”

A nod was his only response. She pressed his hand again, then allowed Eric to help her into her car. Once she had the engine started, she rolled down the window and waved to them. “Bye, guys.”

“Night. Drive safe.”

“I’ll do that, Detective.” Her smile edged a bit into impish territory with the last word, but it only made her more adorable.

Hold up.He shook his head and backstepped from between the vehicles. While she pulled out, he unlocked his trunk and placed Dion’s backpack inside. “You can toss your bedroll in there too.”

Dion looked like he didn’t want to be separated from his things, but he complied without complaint.

Eric clapped him on the shoulder. “Climb in.”

“What’s wrong with her?” Dion held the question until they were both inside and the vehicle was in motion.

“Not sure.” Eric swung onto the main road. “Maybe nothing.But we’ll make sure she gets home okay, then we’ll get food.” Dion snorted, and Eric gave him a sidelong glance. “What?”

“Sounds like an invasion of privacy.”

Eric’s fingers tightened on the wheel, but he kept his tone light. “Nope. Just being a friend.” If Dion thought following Allye home was an invasion of privacy, he wasn’t going to like when Eric questioned him about his whereabouts the last few days and what he might know about his mom.

Dion let the issue drop, and they soon caught up to Allye’s red Jetta. They followed her to her house and watched from the road as she slowly exited the car, gave them a wave, unloaded her trunk, and disappeared inside.

“What are you in the mood for?” Eric asked as he pointed his car toward the center of town.

“Doesn’t matter.”

“Hamburger? Pizza? Chinese? Totally up to you.”

After a pause, Dion mumbled, “Pizza’s fine.”