Page 171 of His Boys to Protect

The train station was almost directly across the river from Vaughn's shop, but they had to go several blocks to reach a bridge that crossed over. Vaughn forced his way through traffic, nearly running a red light and even blocking an intersection.

Ward was grateful. He had to get to Charlie.

A train was in the station when they arrived. But that wasn't the worst of it. Two cop cars sat in the lot, parked askew.Shit!Ward flew out of the truck and ran past a row of small shops to reach the platform, his brother right on his heels.

He heard Charlie before he saw him.

Shit. Charlie was screaming. Ward ran faster. He pushed through a crowd gathered there, then lurched to a stop.

Charlie was on the ground, held down by an officer while another one stood nearby. Charlie's bag lay a few feet away. One of the train attendants stood over it, looking lost and helpless, clutching a wad of cash in her hand.

“Charlie!” Ward yelled, trying to get closer.

The officers looked up at him. The standing one approached him, holding out a hand. “Sir, I need you to step back–”

“I know him,” Ward panted. “Please. Don't hurt him.”

“Sir, let us handle this–”

“Please!” Ward begged. “He doesn't understand what's going on.” The other officer—the one holding Charlie down—looked up at Ward. They knew one another in passing. Ward was pretty sure they'd gone to high school together, though they hadn't really spoken in years. “Please,” he begged again. “I can get him to calm down. He's not violent. He won't hurt anyone.”

Of course, that wasn't strictly true. Ward well remembered Charlie's attempt to pummel him, that first time he'd caught Ward and Skylar kissing.

But he couldn't let them take Charlie away. The poor boy would be an absolute wreck, besides being confused. And what if one of the cops mistook his actions as violent and pulled a gun on him?

Ward would never be able to live with himself.

“Please,” he begged again. “Just let me try.”

“Hhnn!” Charlie whined.

“I'm right here, buddy,” Ward said, softening his voice, stretching up and to the side so he could see past the officer in front of him. “Just try to stay calm for me, okay? Everything's gonna be fine. I promise.”

He just hoped he was right.

Chapter 60

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CHARLIE

CHARLIE DIDN'T understand what was going on.

The police officer held him down, but it didn't feel good at all. Not like when Ward did it. This feltbad. He wanted up! Wanted Ward. But the police officer wouldn't let him go.

And the ground was hard! It hurt his knees and his hips. And his arms. And his face. He wanted the pain to stop. And he wanted a shower. The ground was so dirty!

But none of that compared to the confusion of not being able to get on the train.

He struggled against the police officer's hold.

“He's trying to talk!” Ward said.

Yes!Charlie tried to nod despite the cruel hand pressing down on his head. Ward understood. Charlie needed to say something, but the police officer wouldn't let him.

“I mean, he needs to sign something,” Ward quickly added. “He doesn't talk. You have to let go of his hands. Please!”

Everyone went silent for a moment. Charlie whimpered, trying to stay calm like Ward had said, but it was hard. Finally, the police officer released one of his hands. It wasn't the right one, but Charlie could manage.

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