The Deep End

by Debra Purdy Kong

  “Do the boys have a set routine or pattern?”

  “Not really.” Kendal closed the images. “They tend to hang around other departments before strolling to electronics. The visits usually last about twenty minutes.”

  “Do they always board the bus together?”

  “They have the two times I’ve seen them.”

  Casey closed her notebook. “Once I get your phone call, I’ll drive over and park in GenMart’s lot, then head for the bus stop.”

  “Good. I just hope I can nail these delinquents before they do more damage.”

  “Speaking of delinquents, I just had a thought,” Casey said. “I know you’re volunteering with the community police, but would you like to add more volunteering to your résumé?”

  “If it doesn’t swallow up a lot of time, sure. What do you have in mind?”

  “Fraserview Youth Custody Center. I’ve just started there Friday nights, and they need more help. It would only take a couple of hours a week.”

  “I’ve heard of that juvie center. It’s the old building near Boundary and Marine Drive, right?”

  “Technically, it’s in Burnaby, but yeah, Vancouver’s part of the neighborhood.”

  Casey told her about Mac, and how teenagers as young as twelve were sent there to either await trial or serve a sentence for a serious crime. “A lot of the residents have a parade of social workers, psychiatrists, probation officers, and lawyers working with them. A teacher comes in during the day for classes, and they’re supposed to have extracurricular sports and crafts available, but government cutbacks put a lot of programs on hold.”

  “So, what do the kids do to unwind?”

  “Watch movies, listen to music, and play basketball if the staff are willing to referee,” Casey answered. “Most of the residents are bored out of their minds, though. Few have visitors, so Mac relies on volunteers to talk with them, or play cards, or whatever else is available.”

  Kendal’s eyes sparkled with mischief. “Maybe we could teach those kids a thing or two.”

  “Maybe.” But Casey had a feeling it would be the other way around.

  SIX

  A SHIVER TINGLED ACROSS CASEY’S shoulders, and she was filled with a sense of foreboding. Justin wasn’t in his unit like he was supposed to be. Since the gymnasium’s bathroom was out of service, Winson Chen had let him leave to use Unit Two’s bathroom. When he didn’t return, Winson sent Casey to bring him back. So, where the hell was he? As far as Casey knew, the only unlocked rooms during visiting hours were the living units, visiting area, and Mac’s office.

  She hurried down the corridor, marching past a janitorial cart. Spotting the cleaning woman’s black cardigan hanging off the end of the cart, she figured Phyllis was nearby. Mac and Kendal stepped out of the visitors’ area. Casey rushed toward them, happy that her friend’s volunteer work with the police department had enabled her to fly through background checks and paperwork. An ally around here would be welcome. Mac was so eager for volunteers that he was combining Kendal’s orientation with her first shift. Casey had thought it strange that the director conducted orientations, until he confided that he didn’t want staff passing along bad habits.

  Casey drew nearer as Mac was saying, “The Special Unit is a bit barbaric compared to living units in newer centers, but this is how segregation operated fifty years ago, and there’ve been no upgrades worth mentioning here.”

  “Are many kids in the Special Unit?” Kendal asked.

  “It’s been empty lately. If residents are a danger to themselves or others, or if they deliberately break rules, then we have to separate them. We try to correct the behavior and assess when they can rejoin the others.” He gave Casey a brief nod. “If these kids don’t learn to be accountable for bad choices, how will they learn? Who will teach them?”

  “Good point,” Kendal remarked. “Where is the unit?”

  “It’s the last door on the right at the end of the corridor, across from the swimming pool, which is no longer used, thanks to budget cuts.”

  Above the Special Unit’s entrance, another flickering fluorescent tube was about to die. Casey figured the whole place would be in darkness before it closed. A blue bucket sat next to the fire exit at the far end of the hall to catch drips from the leaking roof.

  “The next door up from the pool is the gym,” Mac added, “which is where Casey’s been enjoying a rousing game of basketball, I gather.” He smiled at her, then turned to Kendal. “There’s no budget for a recreational director, so youth supervisors do what they can to keep the boys busy.”

  “Justin Sparrow was supposed to use Unit Two’s bathroom then come straight back, but he hasn’t,” Casey said. “Have you seen him?”

  “With my permission, he’s having a quick chat with Miss Tanya in the visitors’ lounge. She’s upset about being transferred to another facility tomorrow and Justin has a calming effect on her. I radioed Winson about it a couple of minutes ago.”

  “Thanks.” Casey noticed the heavy bags under Mac’s eyes. He looked exhausted; however, she needed to do this now. “I didn’t get a chance to talk to you earlier, but I thought you should know that I work with Justin’s grandmother.” Mac’s expression darkened. “I didn’t know Justin was here until I caught a glimpse of him last week. Amy asked me to check on him now and then.”

  “Did you tell Justin’s grandmother that he was here?” Mac asked.

  “No. She brought his name up when she heard I was volunteering here. I didn’t tell her anything because I don’t know anything.”

  Mac seemed to think about this for a moment. “Did Tanya’s name come up?”

  “Amy referred to a girlfriend who’s in here, but I didn’t tell her that I’d seen Tanya.”

  “Good,” Mac replied. “Confidentiality is vital here. There are many rules and boundaries inside juvie. If they’re not followed, our dysfunctional little family could unravel into something quite ugly.”

  Dysfunctional little family? An odd way to put it, Casey thought.

  “Confidentiality agreements and privacy come under the rules category,” Mac went on. “Whatever Justin says to you must stay between you two, especially if it concerns legal matters. Many volunteers have one-on-one conversations with residents that must remain confidential, unless something comes out that might harm the resident or others.”

  “What if Justin wants me to give his grandmother a message?” Casey asked. “Or she wants me to say something to him?”

  “That’s a boundaries issue,” Mac replied. “Personally, I have no hard and fast rule about passing messages between parents and guardians and our residents, as long as you’re very discreet. You mustn’t be viewed as Justin’s pipeline to the outside, as other residents would then expect you to get messages to their relatives.”

  “Understood,” Casey replied. “It’s just that Justin’s never been in trouble before and Amy’s frightened for him.”

  “All the same, it’s best if you’re not assigned to Justin’s unit after tonight. Since his time with Tanya’s nearly up, though, you may escort him back to the gym,” Mac said. “Make sure Miss Tanya returns to her unit as well, and be careful what you say in front of them.” He turned to Kendal. “You can start in the girls’ unit, and we’ll see how it goes.”

  “Sure.” Kendal removed a granola bar from her pocket and began to unwrap it.

  “That doesn’t have nuts in it, does it?” Mac asked.

  “Actually, it’s a honey nut bar. I came straight from work and didn’t have time for dinner,” Kendal answered. “Does someone have an allergy?”

  “I forgot to tell you that Winson has a serious peanut allergy. All food should be left with your personal belongings at reception.”

  “Sure. I’ll just pop back to my locker and stick it in my purse.”

  “Actually, ask our receptionist, Rawan, to hand you your purse. Volunteers aren’t allowed past the counter to access personal belongings,” Mac said. “Unfortunately, we’ve had sec
urity problems with volunteers taking home things they shouldn’t.”

  Casey spotted the girl with the dreadlocks—the one who’d been fighting last week—standing in the corridor, watching them.

  “Do you need something, Roxanne?” Mac called out.

  “Where’s Tanya?”

  “She’ll be back in a minute. Inside your unit, please.”

  “I need to talk to her.”

  “You can when she returns.”

  “It’s visiting hours,” Roxanne replied. “Why can’t I wait in the hall?”

  “Because you don’t have permission,” Mac replied. “Inside, please.”

  The girl scowled. “I hate you, you dirty old man!”

  Casey glanced at Kendal, who shrugged.

  “What have I said about name-calling?” Mac’s voice was calm but firm.

  Roxanne ran back inside the girls’ unit.

  “Some days, you can’t win.” He sighed. “Lashing out with name-calling and accusations is common, ladies. Don’t take it personally.”

  “I get a lot of that in the store,” Kendal said.

  “On the buses, too,” Casey added.

  “Good to know. Tanya’s the only friend Roxanne’s made in here, and she’s not happy about Tanya’s transfer either.” Mac turned to Kendal. “However, like I said, there has to be accountability, so I need to have a word with Roxanne. Kendal, why don’t you join me after you’ve put your food away?”

  The receptionist Casey had met at orientation, Rawan Faysal, stepped into the corridor. Her dark, blond-streaked hair flowed over her shoulders. “Mac?” She waved a folder at him. “A new admission’s arriving within the hour.”

  “Thank you.” He sighed and, for a brief moment, placed his hand on his chest. “It’s going to be one of those nights.” He headed toward Rawan.

  Kendal shrugged at Casey, then followed Mac.

  Casey entered the visitors’ area and counted six residents, each with an older adult. Half of the families were watching a hockey game, while others talked quietly at tables. A fiftysomething man was playing ping-pong with a boy who looked about twelve. Most of the adults seemed pensive. The reason was probably the corrections officer observing everyone from behind his desk.

  Casey recognized Mercedes, the Spanish-speaking girl Roxanne brawled with last week. Her head was lowered and she looked depressed. A Latino man with thinning hair, possibly in his mid-thirties, patted her back while glancing around the room. There was some resemblance, though he looked a little young to be her father. He could be an older brother. When the man caught Casey watching him, she turned her attention to the worn, mismatched sofas and chairs. The yellowing blue and gray linoleum looked like it had been waxed a million times. A bookcase was filled with dusty board games and puzzles.

  To her right, Justin and Tanya sat at a table in the corner. Tanya dabbed her eyes and looked over her shoulder at the Latino man while saying something to Justin. As Casey strolled toward them, Tanya looked up and glared, as if to warn her off.

  “Sorry to intrude,” Casey said, “but Mac wants both of you to rejoin your units now.”

  Justin’s brown eyes blinked at her and he tilted his head slightly. “I know you, right?”

  Oh, boy. “I work with your grandmother.”

  He sat up straight, shoulders rigid. “Did Nana send you here?”

  “No.”

  Justin stood.

  “Don’t go.” Tanya grabbed his hand. “There’s something I gotta tell you.”

  Casey frowned when Justin sat down again. The girl looked at Casey, as if expecting her to leave. Not bloody likely.

  “Justin, we really have to go,” Casey said.

  He got to his feet more slowly this time.

  “Justin.” Tanya’s frosty tone made him hesitate.

  “I’ll get in trouble,” he said.

  “Please,” Tanya begged.

  “I don’t know what to do.” The kid looked miserable.

  “How about you talk on our way back?” Casey suggested.

  Despite her scowl, Tanya rose. No one spoke as they walked down the corridor. Tanya glanced at Casey a couple of times. Whatever she wanted to tell Justin was obviously too personal to say in front of a volunteer. Casey spotted Phyllis mopping the floor outside the conference room. Phyllis looked up and gave her a quick nod.

  When they reached the girls’ unit, Tanya again reached for Justin’s hand. “You have to, Justin. There’s no other way.”

  Justin looked like he wanted to disappear through the floor. What on earth did Tanya want him to do? “Come on,” Casey murmured, but he simply stood there.

  “Justin!” Winson yelled from the gym entrance farther down the hall. “What are you doing?”

  “Mac said I could talk to Tanya.”

  “Not for this long. Back in the gym, bud.”

  The girls’ supervisor, Mia, emerged from her unit. “Tanya, back inside, now.” The same angry eyes Casey saw last week were there again. “You didn’t have permission to leave.”

  “You were on the phone.”

  “And you just happened to see Justin in the corridor?”

  Casey figured that the girl probably made a habit of standing by the door, waiting for chances to talk to her beloved.

  As Tanya shuffled to the doorway, Casey and Justin continued down the corridor.

  Winson turned his attention to the game and blew his whistle. “Stop that!” He darted back inside the gym.

  “Don’t touch me, bitch!” Tanya yelled from behind them.

  Justin grimaced but didn’t look back.

  “Excuse me?” Mia’s voice was almost menacing.

  Once Tanya was inside, Casey said, “Amy asked me to tell you that she’s standing by you, no matter what.”

  A heavy woman with puffy cheeks and a stained apron emerged from the kitchen. The woman’s narrow eyes glinted and her down-turned mouth puckered with disapproval as she waddled past Casey and Justin, carrying two buckets.

  “I need out,” he mumbled.

  “I’m sure you do. Amy’s been confused about why you won’t see her.”

  Justin glanced at Casey. “Would you want your family seeing you in this shithole?”

  Winson re-emerged. Justin hurried past him into the gym, but Winson seemed more interested in watching something behind Casey than joining him. Casey turned and saw the big woman with the apron lock a door next to the kitchen, then head toward the main entrance.

  “I gather she’s the cook?” Casey asked.

  “Oksana, yes. I’d say don’t get on her bad side, but Oksana doesn’t have a good one, so just stay out of her way. Here’s another tip,” Winson said. “Don’t let girls and boys mingle. Didn’t Mac tell you that?”

  “He did, but he also gave those two permission to talk.”

  “He shouldn’t have,” a male voice said from behind her. “And I’ll have to speak to Mac about supervisors leaving volunteers alone with residents.”

  Casey turned to find a muscular man with a receding hairline and cold black eyes. Where the hell had he come from?

  “This is our senior youth supervisor, Amir,” Winson said. “He’s in charge of Unit Three.”

  “If she’s not been properly trained,” Amir said to Winson, “then she shouldn’t be here.”

  “I’ll deal with it,” Winson said. “I was the one who sent her after Justin, and I need to talk to Mac about something else anyway. Maybe you can watch the boys.”

  “I can’t watch both units,” Amir shot back. “Get someone else.”

  Winson let out a long sigh. “Then I guess Casey will have to watch things for five minutes.”

  “Are you out of your mind?” Amir said. “What did I just say?”

  “That you won’t help out,” Winson said defiantly. “And why are you so suddenly by the book? It’s not like you haven’t bent the rules before.”

  Amir glared at him, then looked up and down the corridor. “Have it your way, but one fight and she�
��s toast. I don’t know why females are allowed here in the first place.”

  Casey was beginning to understand why Fraserview had so few volunteers. The building wasn’t the only outdated thing about this place. She also suspected that staff shortages in the evening contributed to the lax rules Mac had mentioned.

  “There’s a two-way radio on my desk if you need help,” Winson said to Casey. “You know how to use one?”

  “I’ve used them many times.”

  Winson entered the gym and blew the whistle. “All right, guys, we’re done. Let’s go!”

  Half of the boys headed for Amir’s unit in the adjoining wing, while the others made their way toward Winson’s unit.

  “Everyone stays inside until I get back,” Winson said to Casey. “Understand?”

  “Yes.” How stupid did he think she was?

  Casey took a deep, calming breath and wondered what the boys would try to get away with. As she stepped inside, some of them glanced her way. Others gawked and murmured to one another before turning their attention to the hockey game on TV. What they should have been doing was heading for the showers because the room stank. Justin sat alone at a table by the door.

  Casey picked up the radio in Winson’s office and sat at the table next to Justin. The seat, one of five attached to the table with steel support beams, wasn’t overly comfy. Unlike the girls’ unit, this room had no drawings on the wall, but there was a foosball table. Comic books were stacked haphazardly on a four-foot-high bookcase next to the entrance. She wanted to talk to Justin, learn more about what Tanya wanted him to do, but he turned his back to her. Just as well. It wouldn’t be smart to be seen striking up a conversation in front of the others.

  Winson returned less than ten minutes later, looking glum and preoccupied as he walked right past her. He didn’t even seem to notice the boys.

  Casey followed him into his office. “Here’s your radio.”

  He sat down. “Thanks.”

  “Everything okay?”

  “Uh, yeah. Mac wants to see you,” he replied, his eyes not quite meeting hers. Either his conversation with Mac didn’t go well, or she was in more trouble than she thought.