Did something happen to him? Did the bullies hurt him again? If so, someone’s going to fucking pay. I open my security app for the house and scan the video footage from earlier today, but it doesn’t look like Braeden ever came home.
“Double fuck.”
Where the hell would he be? Where’d he go?
I quickly change out of my suit and dress in a T-shirt and joggers. I slip on some running shoes and go on the hunt, not that I have any idea of where to look. However, my first stop should be at that bullying boy’s house.
Not gonna lie, I’m trying not to fucking panic and feel like a failure. Or listen to my mother’s harsh words telling me I’m worthless. It doesn’t matter that she’s gone now. I know her words and negativity will linger for years.
As soon as I’m outthe door, I get a call. Hoping it’s Braeden, I rush to answer it. “Brae?”
“Hello, is this Calvin Abernathy?”
I swallow down my disappointment and frustration that someone has chosennowto call me.
With a heavy sigh, I say, “It is.”
“This is Gloria Martinez, the counselor at Belle Chasse High School.”
“Yes, hi, but this isn’t a—”
“We’re calling to inform you that, while we understand Braeden’s situation, he’s been struggling with his classes and grades. What we’d like to do is meet with you and Braeden to see if we can’t raise his grades and turn in his coursework.”
The timing couldn’t be worse. Yes, school is important, but finding Braeden is a priority. “Okay, yes. It’s been a big adjustment for both of us. I’ll set something up with the school, but I have to run right now. There’s an emergency.”
“Of course, we look forward to hearing from you.”
I cut her off and went in search of the boy. I hop into my car and head over to that asshole kid’s house. What’s his name again? Butthead? Bryce. When I arrive a couple of minutes later, I get out of my car and knock on the door.
The little punk opens it. He scans me up and down, then scowls.
“What the fuck do you want? I told my parents what you did, asshole.”
“Good for fucking you. Have you seen Braeden? You know, the boy you’ve been tormenting? Did you mess with him again? Didn’t you learn from the first time that bullies never win?”
He folds his arms and smirks. I swear to god… This kid needs a swift kick in the ass.
“Just tell me, and I’ll be out of your hair.”
“He was on the bus,but we haven’t seen him since.”
Suddenly, an older man steps behind the boy. This must be Dad. I bet he’s a prick, too. He’s about as tall as I am, but paunchy and losing his hair. His scowl matches his son’s.
“Who the hell are you?”
“I’m your neighbor down the street, Calvin Abernathy. I’m looking for my ward, Braeden.”
“He’s the one who stunk up the house, Dad. He sprayed us with that shit, and we didn’t do nothin’. He says we did, but we didn’t.”
Here we go. I brace myself, but I also need to get out of here. This is wasting my fucking time.
The man steps in front of his son and folds his meaty arms, and tries to stare me down. “I should sue you for that. Do you know how long it took to get the stench out of the house?”
“A week? Who the fuck cares? Your son shouldn’t have gone into the house until he cleaned himself off.”
The man comes barreling out, and I take a step back and raise my hands. “Be cool, my friend. We’re grown-ass adults here. But I’d like to point outmyside of the story, which your son conveniently ‘forgot’ to tell you. Did he mention that he and his buddies nearly drowned my kid in your pool?” My kid. It sounds odd in my ears, but it also feels right. “Then I’d be the one suing you. Be grateful I didn’t call the fucking cops and have your son arrested for assault.”
The man wheels on his son. “Is this true? You said you did nothing to this man.”
