“But it’s already three.”
“Then maybe you shouldn’t have tried to goof off so late at night.”
Bobby mumbled something as he looked away.
“What was that?” Boone asked.
“It’s Saturday.”
“Yes, and every Saturday for the next three months, your ass is mine.”
“Ah, man.”
“Now, remember, I know where you live. If you’re not standing in front of my desk by ten, I’ll come looking for you, and you really don’t want me to do that.”
Neumus walked out from behind the woodshed with Travis and headed for the house. His hand was wrapped around the back of Travis’s neck. He had a smile on his face. Travis did not.
“What?” Boone asked when the man was within hearing distance.
“I’m pretty sure you won’t be having any more problems with Travis,” Neumus said as he gave the teen a little shake. “I’d be surprised if he jaywalked. Isn’t that right, Travis? You’re going to be a good boy from now on, aren’t you?”
“Yes, sir,” Travis replied as he cringed.
Boone dug into his pocket and pulled out his keys before holding them out to Neumus. “Can you drive the boys home? I need to stay here and get Jackie’s statement and gather some evidence in case the boys decide not to meet with me tomorrow.”
“Yeah, I can do that.”
Boone gestured toward the truck with his head. “Go on, boys. Get in the truck. Neumus will take you home.”
“We’re not going to jail?” Travis asked, hopefulness in his voice.
“Bobby will explain it to you,” Boone said. “Now, go on. You need to be getting home before I get a call from your parents reporting you missing.”
Boone waited until Neumus and the boys pulled out of the driveway before he turned to the man standing on the porch. “Now, Jackie Lee, I have some questions for you.”
