Page 23 of Beyond Perfect

“No way. I want my own transportation.”

“Why, as a quick escape?” There was sarcasm in his voice.

“You got it.”

Caleb said, “Jackson. After today, you should talk to somebody, too.”

“I’m looking for a counselor. And thanks for caring.” And he clicked off.

Maisy frowned. “Now I feel worse.”

“Call him back.”

“No. I’ll go change.” And she left the room while Caleb still held her phone.

* * *

Jackson kept his calm though he wanted to pummel something. He should work out on the punching bag but he had to be the adult here. His choices were limited. If he called the police, Frankie would go to juvie. But in any case, Frankie had five demerits. Unless he did what Maisy suggested and canceled the one because he left to find Freddie. What were the alternatives? Maybe he should send his own team. He had a large network that could help.

But the cops should be notified, too. Skipping school at Pathways was very different from regular school because the boys were sent here instead of juvie. Where Frankie would go.

What was best for the school?

What was best for Frankie?

He made a decision and punched in numbers on the phone

“Nick Samson.”

“Nick, I need you again. And your team.”

“Do you want to meet?”

“No. Assemble the guys. One of my students is missing. I’ll send you his file. We have to find him or I’ll be forced to call the police which will have grave consequences.”

“I’ll get right on it. Send me the file.”

They both clicked off.

Chapter 4

The scents of marinara sauce and spices accompanied Jackson as he walked into La Trattoria’s private room and found Maisy had already arrived. She was talking to Todd, the manager.

He crossed to them. “Am I late?” he asked.

“No, I only just got here.” The manager stood. “Hello, Jackson.” They shook hands.

“Todd. Hello, Maisy.”

She nodded.

The manager must have felt the chill between them and sat back down quickly. Jackson took a chair close to her.

“I’d like to go over the menu now. You know we change it every night. Here’s the list of choices for tomorrow. The client usually okays it.”

There was only one menu, so both looked at it together. This close, Jackson could smell the lilac scent of her shampoo. “It’s fine with me,” she said, somewhat huskily.

“I agree.”

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