“I know,” she whimpers.
Back in Atlanta I handled a ton of shoplifting cases. Most of those people were insolent. Unrepentant. Sara looks like she’s about to pass out from embarrassment. Whatever her motivation was, it most certainly wasn’t for the thrill of it.
“Can you explain to me why you’d steal something?” Liam studies the young girl. “It’s not like your family is struggling financially.”
She wilts. “I know. It wasn’t about money.”
“Then what was it about?” Liam coaxes.
She wipes at her eyes. “Some of the kids at school said I’m… I’m spoiled. Pampered.”
I narrow my eyes. “And you thought stealing makeup would somehow prove you’re not spoiled?”
Liam gives me a warning glance and I stop talking.
Sara meets my gaze and her bottom lip trembles. “They said I’mweak. They said because of who my father is I live in a perfect little bubble.”
Even though a part of me thinks those kids aren’tcompletelywrong, I feel for the kid. It’s obvious she’s being bullied about who her father is. Even though I’ve never been accepted into a pack, I know how packs work. Being the daughter of the local pack’s alpha gives her privilege, but that also comes with a built in resentment from others. There are always jealous people who like to tear others down. Being the pack leader’s kid doesn’t protect her from that pettiness.
“Did they want you to bring them the makeup?” Liam asks.
She nods. “They said if I was willing to steal something for them, that would prove I didn’t think I was better than them. They said I was probably too cowardly to risk it.”
I chuff. “Sounds to me like they just wanted some free makeup.”
“Yeah, I agree.” Liam sighs. “Sara, you’re not a coward, and you sure as heck don’t have to steal to prove that.”
“But maybe I am,” she says in a hushed voice. “How would I know? I’m pretty sheltered because of my dad.”
“Well, sure, he’s protective of you. But weak? No, not even close. I mean, you’ve been helping your dad take care of your little brother ever since your mother died. That sure as heck hasn’t been easy. Give yourself some credit, Sara. For three whole years you’ve played mother to Thomas. You’re probably one of the strongest girls I know. You may be Caleb’s daughter, but you haven’t had iteasy.”
Her eyes fill with tears. “I try my best to help Dad.”
“Yes, and it shows. Because of you and your dad, Thomas is thriving.” Anger flashes across his handsome features. “Anyone who calls you weak or cowardly is a fool.”
She sniffs. “I just want to fit in with the regular kids.”
My heart aches for her. I know exactly how she feels. While I’m not the offspring of a pack leader, I’ve definitely felt the pain of not fitting in. What happened to me in Atlanta just confirmed my inability to be accepted.
“I understand you want to fit in,” Liam says. “But what would you say if you caught Thomas doing something this crazy?”
She bugs her eyes. “I’d be horrified.”
“Well, think about that next time you get the urge to give in to peer pressure.” His tone is chiding. “You’re supposed to be an example for your brother.”
I nod. “Plus, anyone who’s arealfriend would never tell you to do something that might get you in trouble.”
“Yes,” Liam agrees. “Officer Collins is absolutely right. Friends want the best for you. They don’t set you up to get in trouble.”
“Yes, sir.” She sniffs. “I know you’re right. I just kind of lost my head for a minute there.”
Watching Sara, Mr. Patterson shifts his weight. “Look, I don’t want to make a big deal out of this. Sara’s a good girl. Maybe you guys can let her off with just a warning? I have the makeup back so no harm done.”
Sara’s relief is obvious. “Really? You’re okay with me just getting a warning, Mr. Patterson?”
He grimaces. “Yeah. Just, don’t do that again, okay?”
“I won’t. I swear I’ll never steal another thing as long as I live.” She drops her head, looking embarrassed. “I feel like a fool for letting myself get pressured into doing something so dumb.”
