James sighed. Maya, I know you want to help, but be careful. If what you suspect about the father is true, these aren't waters you want to go waiting into without a life vest. What do you mean? Just be careful.
If Angela King needs legal help, tell her to call me directly, but otherwise keep your distance from this situation. After her father left, Maya reopened her browser. There was one more reference. She'd found a heavily redacted mission report with a signature line that was partially visible. A King Operation Silencer Unit 8.
It wasn't conclusive proof, but it was enough to make her believe Jallen had been telling the truth. The following days brought a strange calm to Oakidge Heights. Grayson had been temporarily reassigned to desk duty pending the investigation into Angela's complaint. Jallen walked to and from school without incident, but there were subtle changes in the neighborhood. Black SUVs with tinted windows were spotted circling the area at night.
Neighbors noticed unmarked vehicles parked at odd hours. Whispers started spreading. Something was happening in the quiet suburb one evening as Jallen stopped at Thompson's Corner Market for a Gatorade after basketball practice. He found himself face to face with Grayson. The officer was in civilian clothes buying cigarettes at the counter.
Their eyes met in the store mirror. Grayson turned slowly, a smile spreading across his face that didn't reach his eyes. "Well, if it isn't GI Joe's boy," he said loud enough for the other customers to hear. Still telling fairy tales, Soldier Boy, Jallen said nothing. Simply held Grayson's gaze as he placed his drink on the counter and pulled out his wallet.
Grayson stepped closer. "You know what's funny? I did some digging on your dad. Interesting stuff." Jallen kept his expression neutral, but his heart rate accelerated.
He paid for his drink and turned to leave. "I'm not done talking to you," Grayson said, his voice hardening. "But I'm done listening," Jallen replied quietly, echoing his father's calm stare, eyes that gave nothing away while seeing everything. Something in that look unnerved Grayson. It was too familiar, too reminiscent of the photograph he'd found.
The same steady confidence, the same unspoken strength. You think you're tough because daddy taught you some tricks. Grayson stepped even closer, invading Jallen's personal space. Let me tell you something, kid. Your dad's not who you think he is.
Men like that. They're not heroes. They're just good at killing. Jallen didn't flinch. Didn't step back.
Are we done here, sir? I need to get home. The lack of reaction only frustrated Grayson more. He wanted to provoke the boy to see him lose control. But Jallen remained composed, his dignity intact despite the public humiliation.
The store owner, Mr. Thompson, cleared his throat loudly. Everything okay over there? Fine, Grayson muttered, finally stepping back, just catching up with a local troublemaker. Jallen walked out of the store, feeling Grayson's eyes boring into his back.
Once outside, he took a deep breath, studying himself. His father's words echoed in his mind. "Control the things you can control. Your reactions are yours alone." The next day, Jallen was playing basketball with friends at the public court when police cruisers pulled up, lights flashing.