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Later that afternoon,I heard Shane out front talking to a man I didn’t recognize. The man was tall with broad shoulders in a brown suit. By his stance and demeanor, he looked like a cop. I stayed inside by the window so I could eavesdrop.

“I’m sorry, Paul, I lost my cool,” Shane said. “He was pushing all the buttons. He’s lucky I only punched him.”

“No, you’re lucky you only punched him,” Paul said. “I talked him into not pressing charges, but what happens next time?”

“There won’t be a next time.”

“You need to get away from here. Maybe go somewhere and start fresh.”

“I can’t,” Shane said. “I’m not going anywhere without her.”

Paul shook his head. “She’d better be worth it because I don’t know if you’ll be this lucky next time. You’ve gotten into trouble twice already because of her.”

“This guy deserved it.”

“Doesn’t matter, he’s not the one on parole. Move away, go to college, do something other than stay here. You say the word and I can make arrangements for you somewhere else. You’re a good kid, you just need the right chance. Think about it.”

Paul got into his car and left. Shane lit a cigarette, the first one I had seen him smoke in a long time, and took a deep drag from it. I wanted to go out and talk to him, but I figured it was better to leave him alone. I had already caused enough trouble for him.

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