No Way Out by Fern Michaels (great books for teens .TXT) 📗

that should be a good thing for him. Having other kids on the block, right?”

“Here’s the thing.” Colleen went straight to the heart of the matter. “The kid was in trouble. He stole a motorcycle or moped or something. They knocked it down to shoplifting and sent him to a facility where he would be scared straight.”

“I’m familiar with the program. Surprisingly, if you get the kid at the right age, and he’s essentially not a bad kid, that often works. After a year of probation, we rarely see them again.” Pedone took a sip of his coffee. “This is good.”

“Thanks,” Colleen said, and continued, “Is there any way to know if he is a good kid who had a lapse in judgment? I know the records are sealed and all.” Her voice drifted off.

“That’s true.” He looked up at her and realized she was concerned about it. “But that doesn’t mean people can’t remember what happened.”

“I’m not following you.” And she wasn’t.

“Let’s just say someone has a conversation with someone who is familiar with the incident. There is no law saying that you can’t speak about it. You simply cannot have access to the legal documents; therefore, the information cannot be used against the person in any way, such as keeping the person from employment et cetera.”

Colleen gave him a sideways look. “Interesting. That makes sense because the real-estate agent had no problem telling me.”

“Exactly.” Pedone helped himself to a cookie. He took a bite. “I can attest that these are still fresh. And delicious.”

Colleen thought she might be blushing and got up to fix another cup of coffee. “Are you ready for a refill?” she asked over her shoulder.

“If you don’t mind, that would be great. Thank you.”

“Would it make you feel better if I ask around? See if anyone has any recollection? Obviously, I can’t access his jacket.”

“Jacket?”

“Police lingo for a file on someone who has a record.”

“Aha.” Colleen ran her wrists under cold water. “If you wouldn’t mind, and if it doesn’t get you into any trouble, I would appreciate it immensely.”

“Let me see what I can ferret out for you. I know you’ve been through a lot and have a rocky road ahead of you. You don’t need to be worrying about something else. You have his name?”

“Yes, it’s Randy Gaynor. I don’t know if it’s Randolph or not.”

“The name Randolph would be enough to put anyone in a bad mood,” Pedone joked.

Colleen laughed at his joke. “Oh, I cannot thank you enough. You are so right. I’m trying to keep it together for Jackson’s sake, and I almost unraveled the other day when the real-estate agent told me about the kid.”

Pedone initially resisted the temptation to take her hand, and he was delighted when she touched his. “You have no idea how grateful I am.”

“I haven’t done anything yet,” Pedone said, leaving his hand under hers.

“You have done more than you think.” Colleen realized that she had kept her hand on top of his for a tad longer than she probably should have and pulled it away. “Really. The night of the incident, the Taser, and your kindness.” She started to get choked up. “It has meant a lot to me.” As hard as she tried, she could not stop the tears from running down her face.

Pedone picked up his napkin and handed it to her. As much as he wanted to wipe her tears away, he thought that might be just a little too personal.

“Thanks.” She sniffled. Then she let out a big sigh and dabbed her face.

“Any time,” Pedone said. He was getting a little uncomfortable. His first reaction would have been to take her in his arms and tell her everything would be OK, but he couldn’t. It would be unprofessional, and how did he know if things really would be OK?

He finished his coffee and decided it was better that he leave before he made a fool of himself.

He checked his watch. It wasn’t as if he needed to be anywhere, but he thought the gesture would be a good way for him to leave graciously. “I’d better get going. Thanks very much for the coffee and cookies. It was a treat compared to the swill they serve at the station.”

“Thank you for coming by, and for, well, everything.” Colleen resisted the temptation to kiss him on the cheek.

“I’ll be in touch as soon as I hear anything.” Pedone put his hat under his arm.

“Thanks again.” Colleen opened the door for him to leave.

A few minutes later, her phone rang. It was Ellie. In unison, they both said, “Is everything all right?” And then they laughed. Ellie said, “You go first.”

Colleen told Ellie she thought something might have happened to Jackson, and Ellie told Colleen she was worried about the patrol car in front of the Haywood house again.

“Everything is fine.” Colleen was coming to grips. “I had some questions for Officer Pedone, and he was kind enough to come by so we could talk.”

“Glad to hear it. There have been more visits by the police in the past two and a half weeks than in the whole time I’ve lived here,” Ellie noted.

“It’s just that I’m so popular with the men in blue.” Colleen laughed lightly.

“Apparently so,” Ellie stated.

“It’s good to know someone has your back. You know what I mean?”

“Absolutely. I don’t know what I would do without Hector.”

“He’s a great kid,” Colleen said, acknowledging how much he did for Ellie.

“So all is OK on Birchwood Lane?” Ellie prodded.

“So far,” Colleen answered, and changed the subject. She didn’t want to let on that she might have a crush on the kind, attractive officer. “I hope Jackson isn’t making a pest of himself.”

“Jackson? Not at all. I look forward to his visits as much as Buddy does. I’m very happy my big pooch has someone who will play with him. For hours no less. It takes the guilt off me.” Ellie was acutely aware how easy it was to