Page 149 of Eight Years Gone

Grace nodded. “He’ll be staying with us until we can find Jessica. His mother.”

The woman nodded as she handed over a clipboard. “If you can fill out this paperwork, someone will be in touch with details about his hearing before the judge. The other boy’s family isn’t pressing charges for the fight, but because Colton is underage and under the influence, we’ll pass his file to the court intake officer and see what he wants to do.”

Grace swallowed, struggling to force another smile she didn’t feel. “Thank you.”

She filled in her address and phone number, then signed her name, taking responsibility for Colton’s care for the time being.

Colton walked over, wearing blue jeans and a white T-shirt under his navy-blue jacket.

“Keep yourself out of trouble,” the woman said to Colton.

Colton rolled his good eye. “Whatever.”

“Try again,” Jagger said, clearly unamused.

“Sure.” Colton looked at the officer, tossing her a sarcastic smile. “I’ll do that.”

Grace tucked her hair behind her ear, not sure what to say to the kid who appeared to be hostile and rude to everyone. “Um, let’s go home.”

Colton walked out, following them to the Sorento, getting in the back seat.

She held Jagger’s gaze as he walked to the driver’s side. “I’m sorry.”

He shook his head. “We’re good.”

She continued to hold his stare because that wasn’t entirely true.

He winked, sending her a small smile. “We’re good.”

Getting in as Jagger did, she buckled her belt, then reached down for the instant freezer pack she’d snagged from the first aid kit in the laundry room closet—just in case.

Giving it a solid smack, she handed it to Colton as Jagger reversed from their spot and exited the parking lot. “Here. Put this on your eye.”

Colton took it. “Thanks.”

Grace studied his battered knuckles as he settled the ice pack in place. “We’ll get your hand cleaned up when we get to the house.”

Colton shook his head. “You guys can just drop me off at the apartment. I’m sure you know the address since you looked me up.”

Grace shook her head this time. “We told the officer we were taking you home with us.”

Colton sat back. “I don’t need a babysitter.”

“We can turn around and bring you back to the police station,” Jagger added as he gained speed in the quiet downtown.

“Whatever,” Colton muttered as he closed his eyes.

“Where’s your mother?” Jagger asked next.

“Probably with her boyfriend. We don’t talk much.”

“We’ll get things figured out with her in the morning,” Grace assured.

“I’m looking forward to it.”

Grace turned to the front, staring out into the dark in the tense silence.

Jagger snagged her hand, gently squeezing as he took the on-ramp to the interstate.

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