by JR Thompson
“Repeatedly. I’ve beat on that door and screamed so loud my face hurts. At first, he was arguing back at me, but now he’s just actin’ like I don’t exist.”
Mr. Bones didn’t like the sound of that. It could be that he was ignoring her. It could also mean other things — he could have run away or taken the coward’s way out and ended his life. Billy didn’t seem the type, but he had been a probation officer long enough to know anything was possible. “Is there any chance he slipped out of his room?” he asked.
“No. I know he’s in there. I’ve heard little sounds here and there. The floor creaking. His bed squeaking... He in there alright.”
Mr. Bones thought for a moment. “Tamara, do you trust me?”
“I suppose. Why?”
“Go shopping.”
“With what? My good looks? I ain’t got no money.”
Mr. Bones took out his wallet. “Here’s one-hundred bucks. Spend it on whatever you want… well, as long as it’s nothing that’s going to impair your mind.”
“You just gonna go and give me one-hundred dollars?”
“I need some time with Billy.”
“Fine by me! Ain’t gotta tell me twice… Hey, don’t forget what I told you before, Mr. Bones. You can do whatever’s necessary. Sometimes I think that boy needs a lot more than a talkin’ to if you know what I mean.”
“I hear you,” Mr. Bones told her. “Why don’t you head over to the mall or somewhere? Give us an hour or two.”
Tamara stood to her feet. “On my way,” she said, grabbing her purse off of the coffee table and heading to the door. “Call if you need me,” she said.
“Will do. Thanks,” Mr. Bones replied. He watched out the window until Tamara cleared the house. Once she was out of the driveway, he knelt down and whispered a prayer, asking God for wisdom in dealing with Billy.
After a short conversation with his Creator, he went to Billy’s door and gave it a light tap. “Billy, it’s Mr. Bones… your mother went to the mall for a bit. Can I come in?”
There was no response. Mr. Bones knocked a bit louder. “Billy? Are you okay?”
“Yeah, I’m fine,” he mumbled.
“Would you mind unlocking the door for me?”
“You gonna jump on the bandwagon and start accusin’ me of stealing from my momma?”
“Billy, I just want to talk, man. I’m not going to leave until I’ve seen you face-to-face.”
“Hold on,” he said.
The probation officer relaxed a bit as footsteps came toward the door. Billy unlocked it and walked back to his bed. Mr. Bones opened the door, crossed the room, and sat next to his angry client. “Looks like you’ve been crying, bud. What’s that all about?”
“I ain’t been cryin’.”
“Why is your pillow wet and why are your eyes so red then?”
“How should I know?”
Mr. Bones had his work cut out for him. That young man had built a wall, and he didn’t plan on letting anyone in. “Okay, Billy… why did you lock yourself in your room? What’s been going on?”
Stomping his foot, Billy took a deep breath, “Momma done went and started with her accusations again... I tried to tell her but—”
“Billy, look up here at me for a minute.”
Billy raised his eyes, “Your mother’s earrings are missing. Why would she even think her son might have taken them?”
“I don’t know. I guess she just likes to blame people and I’s the only one here.”
“You don’t think it has anything to do with your father’s pocket watch?”
“Man, that’s old news,” Billy retorted, undeniably in defense mode.
“What about the money you recently stole from your mom?”
“See, man! I knew you was gonna do this. Come in here just accusin’ me. Nobody ever gives me the chance to defend myself.”
Mr. Bones could understand where his probationer was coming from. But the kid wasn’t seeing the bigger picture. “Billy, right now I’m not talking about the earrings. I’m referring to your character.”
“Who cares about my character? I’m sick and tired of getting blamed for everything! I ain’t do nothin’, Mr. B!”
“Did you sell your daddy’s pocket watch?”
“Yeah, and I’m sorry for that.”
“Did you steal some cash from your mother?”
“Yeah, and I know that was wrong too.”
“Billy, when you make a habit of being dishonest, people are always going to jump to the conclusion that you’re responsible when something comes up missing.”
Billy shook his head, “That ain’t right, Mr. B. Ain’t never right to be accusin’ somebody without no evidence.”
“Where’d your momma get those earrings?”
“Daddy bought ‘em for her on their anniversary — the last one they celebrated together before he died.”
“Billy, Billy, Billy…” Mr. Bones sighed. “Do you have hard feelings toward your old man?”
The fourteen-year-old leaped to his feet. “I did not… steal… any… stupid… earrings!” he shouted with a tear trickling down his face. “I wouldn’t do that… not after seeing how much it hurt my momma when I took the watch.”
“Then where are they, Billy?”
“Finally!” the young man growled. “It’s about time somebody’ll give me a chance to talk. I kept trying to tell Momma, but she won’t listen. No, she done has her mind made up. She—”
“Where are they, Billy?”
“She let one of her girlfriends borrow ‘em about a month ago.”
Mr. Bones raised an eyebrow, “You’re sure of this?”
“Absolutely! Call Janice and ask her. I’m sure Momma’s got her number written down here someplace.”
“No need for that, bud. Sit back down here for me.”
Billy took a seat, and Mr. Bones gave him a hug from the side. “I believe you, son. Thank you for telling the truth.”
Billy half-smiled, “You gonna talk to my momma about this?”
“Yes, sir. I will. But Billy… locking yourself in your room isn’t a very good idea.”
“Why ain’t it? You think I should’ve just sat down here and let her keep nagging me ‘bout somethin’ I ain’t do?”
Mr. Bones knew where the boy was coming from. He had been in his shoes many times. He had also seen how that way of thinking had destroyed many good men over the years. “What’s going to happen someday when you get married? You and your wife are going to have some disagreements, bud. You have to learn to talk things out. Sometimes you have to allow someone else to vent their frustrations and their feelings before you get a chance to say anything back. But eventually… if you wait patiently, you’ll get your turn to speak. I don’t want to hear about you giving your momma the silent treatment anymore. Do you understand me?”
Billy sat silently for a few seconds before saying, “Yeah man, I got you.”
19
“Good morning,” Rose said as Philip entered the main office.
Philip nodded and continued toward his private domain.
“Wait a second,” she interrupted.
Philip couldn’t help but notice his secretary’s mischievous grin. “What’s up?”
“Oh, nothing much. Just thought I’d let you know my niece is in town this weekend. You guys are about the same age, and I was wondering if—”
Philip knew where that conversation was headed. “I don’t do blind dates,” he said coldly.
“She’s a cutie. Can I at least show you her picture?”
“Nah, that’s okay,” Philip replied. “I have a lot on my plate right now.”
“But Philip… Listen… Kelly’s a pediatrician, she loves kids, she’s a Sunday School teacher.” Rose’s smile was larger than any Philip had ever seen her wear. “You two would be perfect together.”
Philip shook his head. “I’m not interested but show me her picture, Rose.”
Giggling with joy, Rose motioned for Philip to
walk around her desk. As he came around, she pointed to her computer screen, “Isn’t she gorgeous?”
Philip was impressed. Gorgeous was an understatement. Wavy blonde hair, welcoming blue eyes, thin lips… he tried to keep his eyes from widening. He didn’t want Rose to have a clue how that picture was speaking to his heart. He didn’t speak until he was sure he could mask his true feelings. “Not too bad,” he said.
“I told her about you,” Rose replied. “She asked a lot of questions — I bet she’d say yes if you invited her out for dinner.”
Philip shook his head. He had been down that road too many times before. “Not this time, Rose. I’m going to have to pass.”
“But Philip,” his secretary whined, “she’s only going to be in this one weekend. I don’t know how long it might be before she passes through again.”
“No, Rose. The answer is no. I don’t have time for a date this weekend.”
“Oh, Philip! No wonder Cassie broke up with you!” She minimized her screen, “There is more to life than just working with troubled kids. You need to get out some.”
“First of all, I’d appreciate it if you didn’t bring Cassie into this. Secondly, Rose, I’ve got to get my files. I have a few schools to visit this morning.”
“I know you do… When should I expect you to return?”
Philip looked at his watch. “Um… I’d say no later than noon. I have a couple of probationers coming by after lunch.”
“Sounds good. If you change your mind about my niece, let me know as soon as possible, okay?”
“Sure, Rose. I’ll give it some thought, but don’t hold your breath.”
Philip grabbed a few files and rushed out of the office before Rose could corner him again. It was going to be another busy day.
His first stop was Westview Middle School. Mr. Ponderosa caught him coming in the door. “Morning, Mr. Bones. Swinging by to check on Alden?”
“I am... How have things been going?”
Mr. Ponderosa grinned, “I haven’t heard any reports on him as of late, so I’m going to assume no news is good news. If you want to check in at the office, you’re welcome to go around and speak with his teachers. You have a copy of his schedule, right?”
“Sure do… Thanks, Mr. Ponderosa.”
Philip checked in with all seven of Alden’s teachers and received nothing but glowing reviews. Finally, he was beginning to feel like he had made an impact on the young man’s life.
As he left the school, Philip’s cell phone startled him. Whipping it out of his pocket, he glanced at the caller id — it was the office. “Philip speaking,” he answered.
“Philip, this is Rose. Honey, I’ve got some bad news for you. I’m getting sick to my stomach. I don’t know if it’s the flu or what.”
“Sorry to hear that, Rose,” Philip said, somewhat disappointed. He should have been used to it. Things never went as expected — not in his line of work. “Can you stay there until I get back to the office?”
“I can try… But I can’t stick around much longer.”
“On my way,” Philip said. He hated the thoughts of the office being empty. Oh, the joys of a two-person department.
In no time, he was back at the courthouse. Rose met him at the door, “Philip, I’d like you to meet somebody.”
The probation officer shook his head, “I should have known… Let me guess, Kelly, right?”
“This is Kelly. It’s not what you think, Philip... I asked her to pick me up because I’m not feeling well.”
Kelly was even more beautiful in person than she was in her picture. Philip forced himself to keep his eyes off of her. “You mean so she and I would have a chance to see each other?” he asked.
Rose smiled, “Now, Philip, would I ever do such a thing?”
Kelly grinned from ear to ear. “Nice to meet you,” she said.
“You as well,” Philip replied. With a wink, he added, “I would certainly hate to keep your aunt waiting with her getting sick and all… You might want to take her to the doctor in case it’s anything serious.”
“I’m sure it’s not that bad,” Rose interjected. “I need some rest; that’s all. And besides, if it’s anything serious, Kelly is a physician.”
“Right,” Philip said. “I remember you telling me that. Well, I will let you two ladies be getting on your way now.”
With that, Philip walked past them and headed to his office, still shaking his head. He had to admit, if only to himself, that Kelly appeared to be a sweet girl and he could see himself with her — but it was too soon. He was not about to go out with anyone while there was even a slight chance he was on the rebound.
The office phone rang a few minutes after Rose’s departure. “Probation officer Philip Bones speaking,” he answered.
It was someone trying to reach the adult parole office. Philip gave her the correct number.
“Can you connect me, please? I’ve already tried calling over there three times; I keep getting through to wrong departments.”
Philip hated that question. He didn’t mind transferring people to any other department in the building. But that one? Why? Concealing his frustration, Philip said, “No problem,” before dialing the extension himself and waiting for the receptionist to pick up.
The phone rang four times. “Cassie speaking.”
Cassie? She wasn’t supposed to answer. She never answered. What was this? Was there a secret secretary party going on somewhere? “Hey Cassie, this is Philip.”
“What do you want?”
“I have a client on the line who says she can’t get through to your office. Can I pass her through?”
“In a minute… First, I have a question for you.”
Philip’s curiosity was aroused, “What’s that?”
“I know you’re probably the wrong person to ask but how soon do you think is too soon?”
“Too soon for what?”
Cassie giggled in a way he hadn’t heard her giggle in a long time, “An engagement.”
Philip thought his eyes were going to pop out of his head. “You’re kidding me! The guy asked you to marry him already?”
“No,” Cassie giggled. “I’m thinking about asking him.”
Philip pushed his chair back away from his desk. “You’re what?... Cassie… really?”
“Why not?”
“Whatever floats your boat, I guess,” Philip said. “But I can tell you this much. Had you asked me to marry you, I would’ve run the other way.”
“Why?”
“Cassie, we have a client waiting to be transferred. We’re both being unprofessional right now.”
“Fine. Send her through,” Cassie groaned. “I’ll call you later.”
20
There came the knock Billy had been dreading. 6:00 in the morning was way too early to get up on a Saturday. But the teenager knew Mr. Bones was a persistent man, and there was no way he could get out of it.
The probation officer knocked again before Billy’s eyelids popped open. “I’m up,” the sluggish young man groaned. “Be out in a minute.”
“Good,” Mr. Bones replied. “Don’t fall back asleep.”
“I won’t,” Billy mumbled, slowly sitting up and glancing out the window. He could only hope he wasn’t going to be working in any chicken coops. Climbing out of bed, he got dressed.
Just as he was tying his second shoe, Mr. Bones pounded on the door again. “You didn’t go back to sleep, did you, boy?”
“No. I’m getting my shoes on. Momma got breakfast ready yet?”
“Yeah, man. There’s some cinnamon flavored oatmeal out there with your name on it.”
Billy thought he was going to gag. “She did that on purpose! Momma knows I hate oatmeal.”
“Regardless, you’re going to eat it. Your mother didn’t get up early and prepare that food for me, you know.”
“I’ll eat it,” Billy moaned as he came to the door. “So, what we gonna be workin’ on today?”
“You�
�ll find out.”
“How much it pay?”
“I’ll tell you later. Let’s get in that kitchen and eat some breakfast… and don’t go in there with an attitude.”
Billy shook his head, “Fine, but I ain’t gonna like it.”
When they got to the kitchen, Tamara quickly told her son good morning, then, with a yawn, announced she was going back to bed. Mr. Bones and Billy ate their breakfast in silence.
As soon as they were through, the probation officer made Billy wash the dishes and clean up the kitchen. Billy still didn’t speak a word.
Putting the last dish in the cabinet, he said, “Now what?”
“Now, we head to the work site.”
Somehow that didn’t make Billy feel any better. “We goin’ to that same lady’s house we went to last weekend?”
“Nope. Brand new weekend, brand new assignment.”
“What we gonna be doin’?”
“You’ll see... Do you have any work gloves?”
Billy didn’t like the sound of that. “Work gloves?” he repeated.
“Don’t worry about it. I brought an extra pair along. Let’s go. Mr. Davis is expecting us.”
Billy put his hands in his pockets, “Let’s do this then.”
The two walked out to the car and rushed off to Alan Davis’s place. Billy was surprised to see how young the guy was. He guessed he was in his early twenties, if that.
“I had them unload the wood out back; I’ve got a splitting maul and an axe back there,” the man told Mr. Bones. “I appreciate what you’re doing for this boy by the way.”
“And I appreciate you giving him this opportunity,” Mr. Bones replied.
Billy had heard enough about who appreciated who for doing what. He had his own ideas as to what they ought to be talking about. “How much this job pay?” he asked.
“Seventy-five dollars, man,” Mr. Davis replied.
“Alright. I’m down with that… How long you expect me to work?”
“Depends on how fast you bust through that pile of wood,” Mr. Bones interjected.
Billy half-expected that answer. There was no point in seeking clarification. When his probation officer was in that mood, he wasn’t about to let Mr. Davis provide any additional information, and Billy knew it. “Great,” he said. “Let’s get this show on the road then.”