Page 47 of The Evening Wolves

“So, the gym was empty. And anybody could have pulled that jersey down at any time. And anybody could have broken that case and had a can of spray paint waiting. And Drew wouldn’t know, because he had kids all over the place.”

“I know—” Drew began.

But Peterson spoke as though he wasn’t there. “That’s more or less it.”

“Are you going to charge Colt?”

“Not right now.”

“Hold on,” Drew said. “Hey, wait. I want to say my piece too.”

Peterson’s glance was bemused, almost as though he were surprised Drew were still there. “You already gave your statement, Mr. Klein.”

“Hey, I’m not finished.” He glanced from Peterson to John and back to Peterson. “Can’t you make him wait outside? He should have to wait outside. There are kids in this building.”

John turned his head to look at Drew, and Drew took a step back.

Colt gave a choked, snotty laugh.

“That’s a great idea,” Emery said. “Let’s go outside, Drew.”

Maybe it was the familiar setting, the old high school days coming back to Drew, because when he turned his attention to Emery, he seemed to gain back some of his confidence. His chest puffed out, and he dragged himself to his full height. “What are you going to do? You’re not a cop.”

“I’m not going to do anything. So, why don’t we go outside?”

“You’d like that, wouldn’t you?”

“I don’t know if I’d like it. I think it might be satisfying.”

“Are you hearing this?” Drew directed the words to Peterson. “He’s threatening me.”

Peterson spoke instead to John. “Colt refused to answer any questions.”

“What?” Emery squeezed Colt’s neck again. “Why?”

Colt stared at the floor.

“Any information he can provide would be helpful.”

“He’s not answering any questions,” Drew said, “because he’s the one who did it!”

“How about this?” Peterson gave Drew a look and then turned his attention to Emery and his family again. “You go on and take Colt home. I’d like to talk to him again when he’s ready.”

John nodded. “Thank you.”

“Are you kidding me?” Drew waved one arm at the trophy case. “I caught him red-handed. Are you serious right now?”

“Mr. Klein, lower your voice.”

“Fine. If you won’t do anything, I will. You’re off the team.”

Colt’s shoulders hitched, but he kept his gaze on the floor.

“And your butt-buddy too—”

John moved like silk unfurling on a breeze. The punch connected with Drew’s mouth, and Drew’s head snapped back. His body followed as he stumbled and then caught himself against one of the undamaged cases. His eyes were huge as he stared at John. Then his fingers came up and touched his split lip, the scarlet welling there.

“You hit me!”

---