Page 24 of Jep

Jep dropped his head and picked up speed, launching to catch the kid’s legs, and they both tumbled to the ground.

The boy scratched along the ground to regain his footing, but Jep took hold of his backpack and yanked him backward.

“What’d you run for?” Jep said, out of breath.

The boy shook his head as he pushed up to sitting.

“You okay?” Jep said. “They didn’t hurt you too bad?”

The boy touched his mouth where it was bloody and winced. “I’m fine, but I’d be better if you let me go. I didn’t do anything.”

“You want to tell me what happened back there?”

“Those guys attacked me for no reason at all.”

“Then you should press charges.”

“I don’t want to. Can I go?”

“Maybe. What’s in the bag?”

“None of your business.”

“Is it drugs?”

“No.”

“No meaning yes.”

“It’s private property. Cops can’t search without a warrant.”

“They can if they have probable cause.”

The boy sneered. “You don’t. I was the one being attacked.”

“Then it’s a good thing I’m not a cop. What’s your name?”

“None of your business.”

“Then I’ll call you squirt.”

“It’s Bryce.”

“Okay, Bryce, let’s go.”

“I’m not going anywhere with you.”

Jep dragged him to his feet.

“Let me go!” Bryce tried to take a swing at him, but Jep caught his arm, yanking it around his back to keep him from causing any more trouble. “You’re gonna break my arm,” Bryce hollered.

“Then stop squirming and move.”

He used the boy’s trapped arm to compel him back to Em and Pearce, who were waiting for him. Pearce had caught the other guy, and they were now both sitting on the grass, restrained.

“Have you called the cops?” Jep asked Pearce as he bumped his knee into the back of Bryce’s knee so he dropped to the ground.

“Do you have to be so rough?” Em said. “He’s just a kid.”

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