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Nick tried to apologize, but he couldn’t get the words out.

He was told it didn’t matter.

Someone brought his backpack.

Nick said thank you.

It felt like hours before a cop showed up.

Officer Rookie.

Nick tried to be brave.

Officer Rookie hugged him.

Nick cried.

Officer Rookie promised not to tell anyone.

He didn’t have to sit in the back of the patrol car this time.

“You don’t smell as bad,” Officer Rookie told him.

Nick nodded.

Officer Rookie sighed and closed the passenger door. He rounded the front of the cruiser.

Nick looked down at his phone.

Maybe…

He highlighted a name.

Connected the call.

It rang once.

Then:

“You’ve reached Seth’s voicemail. I’m probably busy. And nobody calls anyone anymore unless it’s an emergency. Send a text. Unless it’s an emergency.”

“I need you,” Nick said simply.

Officer Rookie got into the driver’s seat as Nick hung up the phone. “All right?”

Nick shook his head.

“Yeah. Stupid question. Sorry, Nick.”

Officer Rookie was good.

He was really good.

No matter what Nick asked, he refused to answer any question about what happened. All he would say was that Nick’s dad was going to be fine,he’s going to be fine, Nick, I promise.

“Cap told you what to say, didn’t he?”

Officer Rookie shrugged. “Told me you’d be persistent.” He glanced at Nick. “He’s right, though. Your dad is going to be okay. Kid like you? All the more reason to get better as quickly as he can. I doubt he’d want to leave you on your own for long. Probably end up burning the house down.”