Page 52 of Bourbon & Bonfires

Then the officer on the other line simultaneously put my mind at ease about Mason’s safety and pissed me off with the purpose of the call. Trespassing. Breaking and entering.Crimes.The kid had broken into Spencer’s home with a few kids from school and was fucking around when the police arrived. So much for handling things fine.

As I pull in front of the station, I sit in my truck a few minutes, readying myself for what I’m walking into. I don’t even know if the police attempted to call Addison. I sure as shit didn’t. I wanted to have all the facts before I talk to her tonight. I will not throw this at her while she’s driving. There’s nothing to be done until she gets home anyway.

I walk into the station and up to the front desk and ask for the officer who called. The clerk asks me to wait a moment while she picks up the phone and punches a few buttons. I see a woman and man walking out with a boy Mason’s age and wonder if that’s one of the other thugs in the making. I nod in recognition and they do the same as they drag the kid out by his arm.

“Mr. Montgomery?” an officer says as he approaches me with his hand extended.

“Landon, please.”

“This way.” He gestures as he begins walking down a hallway. “I’d like to talk to you privately before we get Mason.”

I agree and follow the officer into a room that appears to be a break room. A few round tables are scattered with vending machines, a large refrigerator, and sink blanketing the walls. The officer closes the door behind him but doesn’t gesture for me to sit, so I simply wait for him to speak.

“As I indicated on the phone earlier, Mason and a few kids were out at Spencer Garrison’s home. They managed to get through the security gate with the code, something Mason said he had from being there with you?”

“Yeah, I’m friends with Spencer but was just out there delivering some furniture. Mason was with me.” Damn that kid. I’m beyond pissed at his choices but also very disappointed and hurt. I can’t believe the kid I’ve come to know would betray my trust like this.

“I see. Well, by the time we arrived at the house, only Mason and another boy were there. I don’t believe for a minute those two managed to get themselves all the way out there on their own. Regardless, Mr. Garrison has asked that we just scare the kids a little today and release them to their parents.”

“Thank you for that, I’m sure they deserve at least the fear of God put into them,” I say appreciatively.

Well, let’s go finish this little show and see how Mason’s faring.” I laugh as he adjusts his belt and opens the door. As we walk down the hall, I think how scared Mason must be. I know I would be if I were his age and sitting in a police department. Hell, if anything like this had happened when we were kids, any of our parents would have probably left us here overnight.

“Mason is just back here,” the officer says gesturing around a corner.

I turn the corner and see Mason sitting on a bright orange plastic chair. His head is back, resting on the wall, with his eyes closed. He looks defeated. I clear my throat as I stop in front of him. Startled, he jumps up and looks at me sheepishly.

“What the hell, Mason?”

“Sorry?” With his hands in his pockets, he’s looking at the ground, which only pisses me off.

“Sorry? What exactly are you sorry for?” I ask, the tension filling the space around us.

“Mr. Montgomery, Mason said he’s been staying with you while his mother is out of town? We were unable to reach her, but I assume that’s because she’s traveling?”

“Yeah, she’s driving home today. I’d gather she’s in a dead spot. If it’s okay, I’ll take him home with me.”

“Normally I’d need to release him to a family member, but since I can’t reach either of his parents—”

“You called my dad? You didn’t’ say you were going to call my dad!” Mason shouts, eyes wide.

When Mason shouts at the officer, I shoot a glare at him that indicates in no uncertain terms he should shut his mouth. The officer clears his throat before saying, “Again, the call was unsuccessful. If you’ll assume the responsibility of Mason, we’ll let him leave with you.”

“Yes, of course. What about charges?” I already know the answer but am playing along with this tough love aspect.

“We spoke to Mr. Garrison and while normally we wouldn’t need his permission, he’s asked that we refrain from charging the children.” I watch as Mason’s eyes shoot up, clearly he doesn’t take kindly to being called a child.

“I’ll be sure to thank him. And, thank you. I’m sure Mason promises nothing like this will ever happen again. Right, Mason?”

“Yeah,” he mutters. Finally, I get to smack him in the back of the head like I’ve wanted off and on since the day I met him. Standing straight, he offers a sincere apology. I turn and walk away slowing for him to follow me.

Nothing is said until I’m pulling out of the parking spot in front of the police station. The tension is thick, and I’m a little nervous of what is about to come out of my mouth, but I’m fucking pissed.

“What the hell were you boys thinking?”

“I dunno.”

“You don’t know? Yeah that’s not going to cut it, Mason. I’m so fucking pissed right now. Not only is this going to kill your mother, any trust I had in you is gone. You broke into Spencer’s house, Mason. Why would you do that?”

---