Deputy Hargrove said you were using me, I say. To get to him. Hawk's smile fades. That's not true, Eli. We had no idea Harrove was dirty until you got involved.
He looks me in the eyes. We helped you because you needed help. Nothing more. I believe him. The patch in my palm feels warm now.
A talisman. What happens now? I ask. Now Hawk says, "We take you. We tell your mom everything and we make sure nothing like this ever happens again. " The sun is setting as we ride back to my fear fades with each mile, replaced by something new, belonging.
I'm not just a kid in a wheelchair anymore. I'm not just a target, a victim. I'm under their protection, part of something bigger than myself. For the first time since the accident that took my legs, I feel strong again. Mom is frantic when we arrive home.
Eli," she cries, running down the apartment steps. "Where have you been? The school called. " She stops short when she sees the police van behind us. Her eyes widen at the sight of Deputy Hargrove and handcuffs flanked by Angel. "What happened? " she demands.
Her voice shakes. "What did you do? Your son was kidnapped," Hawk says. "By him. " Mom's face goes white. "What?
He's lying, Sarah? " Deputy Hargrove calls out. "These men ambushed me while I was helping Eli. Shut up. Patch growls, tightening his grip on Harrove's arm. Hawk pulls out his phone, presses.
Deputy Hargro's voice fills the park. Wrong place, wrong time, kid. What matters is Jensen needs to go down and you're my ticket. Mom's hand flies to her mouth. Rick, is that you?
It's a setup, Sarah. Deputy Harrove insists. They edited the recording. Hawk plays more. Deputy Hargrove's voice again.
Nobody will believe that. They will when they find your blood on Hawk's knife. Mom's eyes fill with tears. She looks at me, still sitting in the side car. Eli, her voice is barely a whisper.
Is this true? I nod. He was taking me to the woods. He had a gun. She rushes to me, arms wrapping around me tight.
Her whole body shakes. My god, she whispers. Oh my god. Over her shoulder, I watch Hawk speaking quietly to Doc. Doc nods, pulls out his phone, makes a call.
State police will be here soon. Hawk tells Mom. We need to give them statements. Mom pulls back, wipes her eyes. Why would he do this?
Rick has known Eli since he was a baby. It's not about Eli. Hawk explains. It's about us. The club.
We've been investigating corruption in town. Harrove panicked. What kind of corruption? Hawk glances at me. We should talk privately.
Mom stands up straight. No. No more secrets. Eli's been through enough. He deserves the truth.
Hawk hesitates then nods. Drugs. Harrove and Judge Finch have been running protection for dealers, taking cuts, looking the other way. Is that why the Finch boys always get away with everything? I ask.