"We went to high school together. Her parents had very little money. Even back then, she hated people with money."
"What does that mean for Jackson? Is she going to try to lock him away because he's rich?"
"It's possible, especially if the only evidence they have is circumstantial."
"I should've told her about his cameras being out. And how he heard a noise out back."
"He needs to be the one to tell her that. I'm sure he already did."
"When do you think he'll get out of jail?"
"I'm guessing later this week."
"It could be sooner," Brock says. "Roman is in town now."
Ms. Wietz smiles at Brock. "And you're not following him around?"
Brock laughs, but it's a short, annoyed laugh because she basically just insulted him.
"I'm not that desperate for a role," he says.
We ride in silence the rest of the way as I think about Jackson, and Brock stews over Ms. Wietz making fun of him. She doesn't seem to care. She seems like someone who says what she wants and doesn't worry if it offends people.
When we're back home I go in my room and check my phone, hoping to see a message from Jackson. I miss him so much. It hasn't even been a day and I'm going crazy not hearing from him.
At six, Brock knocks on my door to ask if I want to go to dinner. I tell him no. I'm not hungry. I haven't had an appetite since they took Jackson away.
I lay on my bed and fall asleep, waking up when my phone starts going off.
"Hello?" I say, feeling groggy.
"It's good to hear your voice again."
"Jackson?" I say, jumping up from my bed.
"Yeah, it's me."
"Where are you?" I ask, my heart beating out of my chest.
"Home. Can you come over?"
"Yes!" I run to get my keys from the dresser. Glancing at myself in the mirror I see my hair's a mess but I don't have time to fix it. I have to see him! "I'm leaving right now!"
"Wait. I'm not at my house. It's a crime scene. I'm not allowed to go in there."
"So where are you?"
"Two houses down. The white house with the black door?"
"The one nobody lives at?"
"Yeah. My dad's friends with the owner. The guy offered to let us stay here until I can move back in my house. My dad's here too. Hope that's okay."
"I don't care. I just want to see you!"
"I want to see you too. Being in that jail cell was...I don't want to talk about it."
"I'm on my way. See you in a few minutes."
