“Tyler,” Rachel said quietly, pulling out the chair across from him. “Can we talk?”
Tyler glanced around the library, checking to see who might overhear. The librarian was at her desk helping another student, and the few other kids scattered throughout the space were absorbed in their own work.
“Um… sure,” Tyler said, his voice low and uncertain.
“I know you're scared,” Rachel said gently. “But Tyler… Terrance is in the hospital. And if other students are taking what he was taking, they could be next.”
Tyler's throat worked as he swallowed hard. He set his phone down with shaking hands. “Am I in trouble?”
“No. You're not in trouble. But I know you know something about Terrance. Whatever you know, you need to talk to the detectives. Tell them what you know.”
His face crumpled, the weight of denying anything too heavy to carry any longer. “My parents—” Tyler's voice cracked. “The others…”
“Your parents are going to be called either way, because the detectives will want to talk to the team,” Rachel said. “But Tyler, this is your chance to tell the truth before anyone tries to twist it. I don’t know what is happening or who is doing what… but I think you do. You need to be part of the solution instead of part of the problem.”
Tyler stared at his hands for a long moment. Then he nodded slowly. “Okay. I'll talk to them.”
“Thank you.” Rachel pulled out her phone. “I'm going to call Detective Hudson right now. Is that okay?”
Tyler nodded again, looking like he might throw up.
Jack answered immediately, his voice tense. “Rach? Is everything okay?”
“I have Tyler Morrison here. He's a senior wrestler and is willing to talk to you. But his parents need to be called first.”
“We'll take care of it. Can you have him at the office?”
“I can take him now. “
“Perfect. We'll have his parents meet us here.”
Rachel hung up and turned back to Tyler. “Detective Hudson will have your parents meet us here. Okay?”
“Okay,” Tyler whispered.
Rachel squeezed his shoulder. “You're doing the right thing.”
Rachel walked Tyler into the office, where the secretary immediately nodded toward the conference room. His parents came soon, moving into the room with worried expressions. Tyler's mother rushed over to pull him into a hug. Principal Martine walked in and introduced herself to the Morrisons.
“What's going on?” Mr. Morrison demanded, looking at Rachel with frightened eyes. “The detective said Tyler needed to talk to them, but wouldn't tell us why.”
“Mr. Morrison, I think it's best if we let the detectives explain,” Rachel said carefully.
Jack and Mark appeared from the hallway. For a second, Rachel forgot why she was there, so totally mesmerized by Jack. He was dressed in dark-blue slacks, a light-blue button-up shirt with a navy tie. His suit jacket fit across his broad shoulders. His detective badge was clipped to his belt, and she realized it was the first time she’d seen him while working.
As they approached, she forced her thoughts back to the matter at hand. Jack’s and Mark’s expressions were professional but not unkind.
“Mr. and Mrs. Morrison, thank you for coming in,” Mark said.
Jack added, “Tyler, thanks for being willing to talk to us. Why don't we all sit down where we can be comfortable?”
“Can Ms. Ayers stay?” Tyler asked.
Jack’s gaze shot to her, and she nodded. They each sat at the long table in the conference room. Rachel took a seat near the door, wanting to stay out of the way but also wanting to be there for Tyler if he needed support. The principal quietly sat next to Rachel.
Jack and Mark sat across from Tyler and his parents. Jack pulled out a notepad and set it on the table, then looked at Tyler with an expression that was both serious and gentle.
“Tyler, you're not in trouble,” Jack said. “But we need to understand what's been happening at the school, specifically with the wrestling team. We will be talking to all the members and appreciate you coming forward voluntarily. Can you tell us what you know?”
