“What! Are you serious?”
“Absolutely. You have to learn to face the consequences, Summer, and when I’m not home you’re still accountable to Lou.”
Summer glanced at Lou, her eyes flashing. “You can’t ground me! Mom makes the rules. I’m phoning her.”
“Good, because if you don’t, I will.”
Disbelief turned to alarm. “Why are you doing this to me?”
“She told you why,” Lou said. “Now, go finish your chores.”
“But Devon and I are busy downloading music.”
Summer opened the door wider to reveal Devon sitting on her bed, arms crossed and a smirk on his pimply face. He tossed his head, flicking hair from his eyes. Fury prickled Casey’s skin.
“I thought Casey made it clear weeks ago,” Lou said. “No boys in your room.”
Casey could feel herself losing it but didn’t care. “You snuck that boy in here? What is wrong with you?”
Devon stood, the smirk gone.
“I didn’t sneak him in!” Summer yelled. “It’s not like we were trying to be quiet.”
“I heard you,” Casey shot back. “I didn’t hear him. And how many times do I have to tell you not to pound on the steps? You’re not the only one living on this floor! Now get downstairs, both of you!”
“I’m outta here.” Devon charged past Casey and Lou.
Casey cringed at the stink of stale smoke coming from his clothes. She seethed as the boy made a point of stomping down each step.
Summer followed him, her eyes filling with tears.
“I’ll make sure he leaves,” Lou said, turning to go after Summer.
“Call me, Dev,” Summer shouted on her way downstairs. “We’re not finished!”
Too angry for words, Casey followed close behind.
Devon didn’t respond to Summer. At the bottom of the staircase, he flung the front door open and barged outside.
“Don’t come back!” Lou yelled, slamming the door. “I’m putting on the alarm, so he can’t sneak back in.”
Casey had the system installed months ago, but Summer had set it off by mistake so many times that they’d stopped using it. Time to restore the habit.
“I hate you both!” Summer shouted as tears spilled down her face.
“We’re not too thrilled with you either,” Lou replied, “or the way Devon’s been hanging around you so much, mooching food. Do you have any idea how high the grocery bill is now?”
“He does that because his mom can’t afford to feed him and his brother and sisters,” she replied. “Sometimes, a meal here is the only food he gets all day.”
Casey wished she’d started the background check Rhonda wanted. It was so like Summer to help people out this way, especially those she cared about. On the other hand, Devon could be scamming her. She hardly ever went to his place.
“Better go finish those chores,” Lou said.
Summer wiped her eyes, then looked from one to the other. Casey could almost see her weighing her options until resignation took over and she trudged down the hall toward the kitchen.
Casey retreated to the living room, wondering what had happened to the supportive, understanding guardian she’d tried to be. Every month she seemed to fail this child a little more, or was it the other way around?
“We did what we had to do,” Lou said from the doorway.
“Did we?” She looked out the window. “I freaked out and you told the boy not to come back, so now they’ll cut classes and come here while we’re at work. Summer does know how to turn off the alarm, you know.”
“If we tell her not to let him inside anymore, then she had better not. That girl’s had it way too easy.”
“If we’re overly strict, she could run off with Devon. God knows what would happen then.”
He let out a long sigh. “I’m going to finish supper. You ready to eat yet?”
“I suppose I should grab something before I leave.”
Lou started up the steps, then stopped and turned around. “Before you run off to help others, maybe you should take a closer look at the people who need you right here.”
“That’s unfair. Summer has been getting more of my time and attention than anyone else—including you—for over eighteen months, and all I’ve gotten is a mouthy punk who defies authority and disrespects us.”
“Then you’ll have to try harder.”
“And what about you? What will you do, besides criticize from the sideline?”
She brushed past Lou and jogged upstairs.
TEN
CASEY EASED HER TERCEL DOWN Patricia Avenue, passing an elementary school on the left.
“The road ends just up ahead,” Amy said, straining forward in the passenger seat. “Then there’s forest and a wide trail along the river. You can pull up beside those yellow posts; that’s where the footpath to the pedestrian bridge begins.”
After Casey did so, she turned off the engine and scanned the area. Justin had chosen the location well. In front of her, the trees and bushes surrounding the tennis courts offered plenty of places to see without being seen. There wasn’t a single soul out on this quiet residential street. Even dog walkers wouldn’t want to stay outside long on such a frigid night. Wind swooshed through the trees. Raindrops began to spot the windshield.
“The poor boy must be freezing half to death.” Amy squeezed the ski jacket in her lap. “I doubt he fetched his coat before he left.”
Not left, escaped. Justin had made his choice and needed to live with the consequences. These damn teens always thought they knew better, always acted before thinking. Okay, so maybe the attitude was less than charitable, but her confrontations with Summer and Lou two hours ago were still bothering her. Nothing had been resolved, nor would it be overnight. No point in brooding over it now, though. Her family issues were nothing compared to Amy’s.
Would Amy be able to cope once Justin was hauled away in handcuffs? Would they even be able to get him in handcuffs? Since the meet with Justin would happen in Coquitlam, Casey would need to call the RCMP to pick him up. She’d considered calling them before leaving home, but if Justin changed his mind about showing up, the cops wouldn’t appreciate the wasted resources. She’d have to call them without Justin’s—and perhaps even Amy’s—knowledge. If the kid found out, she’d be forced to restrain him in front of his grandmother. Not something she wanted to do, but she’d brought handcuffs anyway.
Casey noticed the lamp standard illuminating a path that led to the river. She opened the car door and waited for Amy to do the same; however, Amy didn’t move. “Are you having second thoughts?”
“And third and fourth.” Amy gazed at the trees. “I promised him I’d be here. I can’t betray Justin’s trust.”
No, she depended on others to do that. The closer it came to crunch time, the more Casey regretted becoming involved. She retrieved a flashlight from the glove box. “He should be on the bridge now.”
“Would you mind terribly if I went ahead of you?” Amy asked. “Justin doesn’t know I brought you along. If he sees two people, he could run before I have a chance to talk to him.”
She had a point. “I’ll stay back, but I don’t want to lose sight of you.”
“Fair enough.” Amy stepped out of the car and hauled a full backpack off the backseat.
Casey wondered if Amy had stashed money and a cell phone among the clothes and food. It was possible that Amy had decided not to turn Justin in, but didn’t want to admit it. Was this the real reason she wanted to see him alone? Casey put on her tuque, then got out of the car and buttoned her coat.
“The footpath intersects the cycling trail a few yards ahead,” Amy said. “That’s where you’ll find the bridge.”
“Are you sure you’ll be okay trekking off in the dark?”
“Don’t worry. I know these trails really well.” She switched on her own flashlight. “That’s why Justin wants to meet here.”
Meaning that he likely knew these trails just as we
ll, and how to make a quick escape. Casey waited only a few seconds before she started down the path, reaching the intersecting trail in less than a minute. The pedestrian bridge wasn’t wide. It sloped upward slightly, preventing her from seeing the other end, not that she could see much in the dark. Amy’s white hat was barely visible as she moved toward the center of the bridge.
A chilly gust forced Casey to squint. Raindrops plopped on her cheek. She looked up and down the wide trail. Justin and Tanya wouldn’t ambush them, would they? What if they had hooked up with friends? What if hungry wild animals were lurking? She told herself to get a grip.
Amy disappeared from view. Casey stepped onto the bridge. Gripping the blue rail, she listened for voices, but the wind and rushing water were loud. She edged forward until the slope leveled out. She spotted Amy’s hat and matching scarf. Justin had already put on the ski jacket. Casey crouched down and, staying in the shadows, inched forward until she could hear a few words.
“You have to go back!” Amy sounded desperate.
“I can’t.”
“Why not?”
“We owe a favor we can’t pay back. I’m trapped!” Justin put on the backpack. “Can’t even go home!”
Amy gripped his arm. Casey couldn’t hear what she was saying but based on her body language she appeared to be pleading with him.
A female voice called out. Justin turned around. It had to be Tanya.
“Justin, there’s always a way out!” The desperation in Amy’s voice rang out. “I’ll help you.”
Grandmother and grandson faced each other. Casey held her breath, hoping he’d make the right choice. Couldn’t the kid see that his options were almost nil?
“Justin!” Tanya yelled. “Let’s go.”
Leaning into the railing, Casey reached for her phone as Justin jogged toward Tanya.
“Wait!” Amy shouted. “Please!”
“Tanya needs me!” he yelled over his shoulder.
Oh, crap. Amy was going after him. Casey called 911. After she explained the situation and provide the location, the dispatcher said, “Can you see which way the kids are heading?”
“South on a trail, on the river’s east side, but I can’t see Justin. He might have turned off somewhere.”
“Where’s the grandmother now?”
Casey stepped forward, craning her neck. “Still on the bridge.” Amy had stopped running and was looking at the path.
“Stay where you are, ma’am. Officers will be there shortly.”
“It’s starting to pour. We’ll wait in my car. I’m parked at the end of Patricia Avenue.” She gave the make and plate number, then hurried up to Amy.
Amy slumped against Casey and cried so hard that her whole body shook. Casey wrapped her arms around Amy’s tiny frame, afraid the poor woman would collapse if she let her go. “Let’s get in the car before we’re soaked.”
Amy removed a tissue from her pocket. “He wanted to get back to that stupid girl.” As she wiped her nose, wisps of hair not bound by her hat blew every which way.
“I know.” Casey urged her forward.
As they walked, Amy said, “I don’t know what hold Tanya has over him, but there must be something.”
“Did he imply anything?”
“It was the way he looked so torn when I asked him to come with me. It was as if he was coming apart.” Her voice cracked. “Then that girl called out, and I saw trepidation and fear. Tanya’s controlling him. I’m sure she instigated the escape.”
“It’s possible.”
“I shouldn’t have involved you,” Amy said. “I need to find him myself.”
Bad idea. “How?”
“I think he’s staying nearby. Homeless kids sleep under the bridge that’s part of the Lougheed Highway all year round. It’s not far from here.”
“Are you sure?”
“I admit it’s been a while since I looked. I used to have a dog, and I walked him day and night on these trails. Justin often went with me when he stayed over. At first he thought that sleeping under a bridge would be cool, but then the weather got bad. When he saw how dirty and miserable the kids looked he squashed that idea.”
Still, Justin would remember that refuge. “You can’t go there now, Amy. It’s too dark and wet.” Besides, Tanya would likely give her a problem.
“I’ll do it in the morning. I have to convince Justin that he can trust me. So, maybe we shouldn’t call the police.”
Oh, no. How could she change her mind now? “Amy, I already did, like we agreed.”
“Oh.” She looked away.
What was she supposed to have done? She’d told Amy she could lose her license if the police learned about this meeting.
“Nana!” Justin yelled from behind them.
Both women turned to find him walking toward them.
“Justin?” Amy started toward him. “Are you coming home?”
The boy stopped and his eyes widened when he saw Casey. Looking past her, his face filled with horror. He turned to Amy. “You called the cops?”
“No! It wasn’t me!”
Casey spun around to see the red and blue flashing lights of a police cruiser. When she turned back, the boy was bolting over the bridge.
“Justin!” Amy yelled. “Come back!”
The look of anguish and loss on Amy’s face made Casey feel ill.
ELEVEN
THE MOMENT CASEY STEPPED INSIDE Fraserview, Mia began peppering her with questions about last night’s unsuccessful attempt to bring Justin and Tanya in. It seemed the RCMP had given Mia a call to ask about Casey’s relationship with Justin. She supposed they had to, but it was still an irritation. Equally irritating was Mia’s attitude about last night’s failed mission.
“So, you’re basically saying that the RCMP didn’t want to spend time traipsing through the bushes in a downpour to look for Justin and Tanya?” Mia asked. “And that’s why the kids got away?”
“They did look, but I have no idea for how long since I was asked to leave. The thing is, Justin knows all the shortcuts and escape routes by the Coquitlam River, which is why he wanted to meet his grandmother there in the first place.”
“I still think the cops should have done more,” Mia grumbled.
Casey saw Rawan roll her eyes as she took Casey’s coat and purse and placed them in a locker. It appeared that the strain she’d noticed between Rawan and Mia on Friday night hadn’t dissipated. Was Rawan still upset about Mac, or were there other issues?
“Since staff rotate weekends,” Mia said, “you might recognize some faces.”
Casey noted Mia’s silk blouse and beautifully tailored jacket and pants. Fraserview’s acting director was apparently making the most of life without a uniform.
“I appreciate you telling me about your connection to Justin and his grandmother,” Mia added, “but Mac was right. It wouldn’t be wise to place you in Justin’s unit once he’s back. Word will quickly get out—if it hasn’t already—about your relationship with his family. The situation could lead to perceived favoritism.”
Casey clipped on her visitor’s badge. “You sound certain he will be back.”
“They always are.”
Casey hadn’t heard from Amy today and hadn’t expected to. Still, she was curious about whether Amy had gone looking for Justin this morning. If she’d found him, Casey doubted that Amy would tell her. She’d been so upset last night that not a word was said on the drive back to the condo. Amy probably wasn’t happy with her, which was troubling. Had calling the police permanently damaged their relationship?
“Do you think Tanya will end up here as well?” Casey asked. “She was due to be transferred, wasn’t she?”
“If there’s still room for her at Burnaby Youth Custody Services, the transfer will happen as planned,” Mia answered. “Rumors are flying that she and Justin caused Mac’s heart attack. Some residents aren’t thrilled about that. It would be ideal if both of them were transferred elsewhere.”
Great. More
trouble for Justin. “You don’t think they had a role in it, do you?”
“I wouldn’t have believed it of Justin. Tanya, on the other hand, was furious with Mac about the transfer. She’s not only sneaky and resourceful, but quite capable of harming people when her emotions are out of control.” As they approached the girls’ unit, Mia added, “Ruby’s working in here tonight and, a word of warning, the woman loves to gossip.”
In the girls’ unit, a six-foot tall, bulky woman with wiry salt and pepper hair chatted with two of the residents.
“Ruby,” Mia called out, “I’d like you to meet Casey, one of our new volunteers.”
“’Ello der.” Ruby shook her hand. “Gals are right; your eyes do look like sparkling amethyst.”
“Thank you.” Casey wasn’t sure if her accent was Jamaican, but it was from somewhere in the Caribbean.
“You got a boyfriend, yeah?”
Were staff supposed to be this personal? Casey glanced at Mia who shrugged. “I’m in a long-term relationship, yes.”
“Come sit,” Ruby said, ushering her into the office.
Casey followed her and Mia inside.
Mia shut the door and said to Ruby, “How is Mercedes doing?”
“No change. Dat gal only comes out for meals. Maybe Casey could cheer her up.”
Casey had no idea how she’d accomplish that. “Isn’t she the tall Mexican girl who was upset about Mac?”
“Costa Rican,” Ruby said. “But mostly schooled in Canada.”
“She was also the one who brawled with Roxanne your first night here,” Mia added.
“Dread brawls with everybody.” Ruby clicked her tongue.
“Ruby,” Mia said with a slight frown. “Please use Roxanne’s proper name.”
Ruby shrugged and waved her hand dismissively. “Dat gal’s got real problems.”
Two residents began shouting in the common room. Through the office window, Casey saw a First Nations girl pulling on Roxanne’s dreadlocks while Roxanne held a TV remote out of the girl’s reach.
The Deep End Page 7