Hawk nods. The judge protects his sons. Harrove protects the judge. And no one stops them. Mom says bitterly.
Until now, Patch adds. Sirens wail in the distance. State police. More neighbors peak through their windows. Word will spread fast in a small town.
Eli should rest, Doc says, stepping forward. He's had a rough day. Mom nods. I'll take him up. I can stay.
I argue. I want to tell the police what happened. They'll want to talk to you. Hawk assures me. But Doc's right.
You should rest first. Mom wheels me inside. My body aches from being pulled from the car. My hands shake. What hurts?
Mom asks, kneeling beside my chair. Everything, I admit. But I'm okay. She brushes my hair back from my forehead. Her hand tremble.
I almost lost you, she whispers. Hawk found me, I say. The angels found me. Mom nods. Tears spill down her cheeks.
I was wrong about them, she says. So wrong. She helps me into bed. Brings me water and paint. The sirens are louder now.
Blue lights flash through my window blind. I need to talk to the police. Mom says, "Will you be okay for a few minutes? " I nod. I'm safe now. She kisses my forehead.
Yes, you are. After she leaves, I lie back against the pillow. My heart still pounds too fast. Every time I close my eyes, I see Deputy Harrow's face. Hear his voice.
A soft knock at my door. I tense until I see Hawk's silhouette. "Can I come in? " he asks. "Yeah. " He enters, closes the door behind him. He looks different inside our small apartment, too big for the space, too rough against the faded wallpaper.
"State police want to talk to you? " He says, "I told them tomorrow when you're rested. Thank you. " He stands awkwardly for a moment, then sits on the edge of my bed. The frame caks under his weight. "I'm sorry, Eli," he says. His voice is rough with emotion.
"This is my fault. " "How? I put you in the middle. Made you a target? " I shake my head. "I was already a target, remember? " His mouth quirks in that half smile. "Still. " I never thought Harrove would go this far.
What will happen to him? Prison, Hawk says flatly. "For a long time. " "And Judge Finch? " "Him, too, if the state police find what we think they'll find. " I think about Cory and Dylan. What happens to bullies when their powerful father falls? What about the Finch brothers?
I ask. Hawk shrugs. That depends on the judge on whether he cooperates. Another knock at the door. Mom peaks in.
Eli. The detectives want a quick statement. Just the basics. Are you up for it? I nod.
I can do it. Two state police detectives enter. A man and a woman. They look tired. Professional.