Page 44 of Landon (In Safe Hands)
Ethanhesitates before answering, “Arlen George.” He gets out his phone and brings upEthan’s address. “He lives here.”
Landonlooks at the screen and nods before leaving the room.
Ethanlooks at me, confused. “What was that all about?”
“Idon’t know. Maybe he has friends in the police department or something.”
“Ethan?”Colin says, his voice a harsh whisper.
Ethanrushes to his side. “Right here.” Their eyes meet and tear a strip from myheart. There’s no love like the love you feel as a teenager, before you learnto protect yourself.
“I’msorry. I just couldn’t do it anymore.”
“Iknow. We don’t have to talk about it right now.” Ethan grabs his hand and sitsbeside him. “Just promise me you won’t do anything like this again.”
“Iwon’t. My arms hurt and I feel like hell. You know my mom’s going to shove meinto the nuthouse, right? This is her opportunity to get rid of me.”
“We’llfigure something out. Find a way to get you out of there,” I tell him. I don’tknow what I can do, but I’m sure as hell going to try.
“Youtold her,” Colin accuses.
“Youdidn’t leave me much choice.”
Colinwaves his hand with a wince. “Doesn’t matter. Nothing does anymore.”
Ethanlooks at me. “Can you give us a second?”
“Ofcourse,” I reply. “I’ll be back in a few minutes.” Unlike Landon, I stay farenough away from the door to give them some privacy. I can see him on his phoneat the other end of the corridor. I know Landon said ISH works with the cops,so I imagine that’s who he’s talking to, but Colin’s doctor also needs to knowwhat’s going on.There’s no way the nurse is going to give me any info about whohis doctor is, so I ask to speak to a counselor instead.
Thecounselor’s office is on a separate floor. He welcomes me in with a soft smileand asks, “What can I do for you?”
“Mybrother’s friend has just been admitted for a suicide attempt. My brother justtold me the boy is being sexually abused and has been for years by hisstepfather. Apparently, his mother knows, but doesn’t care. I wanted someone toknow while he was still here and I thought maybe you could help.”
“Absolutely.What’s the patient’s name?” After I give him Colin’s name and warn him themother is staying in the room, he promises to investigate.
Thingsmove faster than I expected. Ethan and I are just preparing to leave when twoofficers arrive at Colin’s room. His mother looks up and then glares at Colin.“You called the cops?”
“No!”
“Youaren’t going to be happy until we’re on the street!” she shrieks.
“Hedidn’t call anyone,” I snap. “I talked to the counselor.” I doubt that’s whatgarnered such a speedy response. It’s more likely that this is Landon’s doing.
“Thisis none of your fucking business!”
BeforeI can respond, an officer steps in. “Ma’am, you need to come out into the hallwith me while my partner talks to your son.”
“Iwon’t! You can’t make me. You have no right…”
Shefinds out that’s not true as the officer removes her from the room. I grabEthan’s arm. “We should go, honey.”
“No,I want Ethan to stay,” Colin says. He looks terrified.
“Isthat okay?” I ask the officer.
“Upto him,” he replies.
“I’llbe just outside,” I tell Ethan before turning to Colin. “You’re a brave kid.You can do this. Just know you aren’t alone no matter what, and you’re welcomeat our place anytime.”
