Gabe’s heart leaped in his chest. “Stay there,” he said. “I’ll come to you.”
Staying low, he scooted closer to Abby and then reached for her hand. She extended an arm. Gabe grabbed her hand and pulled her up next to him. He pressed her into a sitting position and cupped her face in his hand. “I’m so sorry, Abby.”
Tears sprang into her eyes. “He’s really screwed up, Gabe. All I wanted to do was help him.”
Gabe nodded, released her and began inching his way to Trevor. At some level, he was aware of a commotion coming from behind him.
“Trevor,” Gabe called. “How about stepping back from the edge so we can talk.”
Trevor glanced over his shoulder. His eyes were red-rimmed and rolling in panic. He made brief eye contact with Gabe before lifting his gaze to the top of the roof. “Tell those guys to get out of here. If they come any closer, I’ll jump.”
Two men in uniform were standing next to the hatch.
“I’ll take care of it, Trevor,” Abby said. “You talk to Gabe.” She dropped to her hands and knees and began crawling toward the men.
Trevor turned to face Gabe.
“That’s it, man,” Gabe encouraged. He patted the space next to him. “Drop down and grab a seat right here. I’ve got something to say and I can’t really concentrate when you’re teetering on the edge of a three-story building. Know what I mean?”
Gradually, the panic faded from Trevor’s eyes. He lowered his body to a crouch, scrambled up the roof, and sat next to Gabe. He dropped his head into his hands, his body shaking with sobs.
Gabe tried to remember what Papi did when one of his sons was upset. With that in mind, he slipped one arm around Trevor’s shoulder, gave him a little squeeze and released him. “It’s okay. Abby and her mom will help you. You’re not alone.”
Trevor lifted his gaze to Gabe. “That’s the part I couldn’t handle. Nobody knows what I’m going through except Abby. Then, after you came over and . . . well, you know what happened. I was all alone again.”
Gabe took a deep breath. Let it out. “Look, Trevor, I don’t know how much you know about my kid.”
Trevor shrugged. “Nothin’. She’s just a baby.”
Apparently, Abby had kept their secret. “Let’s just say she’s not your average baby. That’s why I had no right to judge you. Someday, my kid will be looking for answers, too. I guess I forgot that yesterday.”
“About yesterday,” Trevor said. “You looked like you wanted to kill me. Seems like you’d be okay with me jumping.”
“No way,” Gabe said. “I’d had a very bad day. I was worried about my kid and totally wiped out. When I saw you at Abby’s, I just lost it. So, what I’m trying to say is, I’m really sorry for the way I treated you.”
Gabe offered a hand for Trevor to shake. Trevor thought it over for a full minute before he grasped Gabe’s hand in a surprisingly strong grip.
“Now,” Gabe said. “Are you ready to get the hell off this roof?”
Chapter Twenty-Nine
GABE SQUIRMED in his chair, feeling the weight of eleven pairs of eyes fixed solely on him. Eleven. Count ’em: Principal Bofto, Vice Principal Tompkins, Trevor and his parents, Lee Bradburn, Abby, Abby’s mother, Luanne, the two-member uniformed crisis team, and, of course, Papi, summoned from his job for the second day in a row. A file folder sat on the table in front of Bofto, presumably Gabe’s permanent record.
Gabe thought about his chances of catching a break for his involvement in what Principal Bofto called The Precipitating Incident. Something along the lines of, “Gabe shouldn’t be punished. He saved the kid’s life.” Like that was going to happen.
Gabe’s mouth felt like the Sahara Desert. He reached for the glass of water someone had thoughtfully placed in front of him. His hand shot out in a spasmodic movement, as if it had a life of its own, and knocked it over. Water exploded from the glass and spilled over the edge of the table into his lap, soaking the crotch of his jeans.
Could things get any worse?
Trevor’s mother leapt from her chair, grabbed some paper towels and handed them to Gabe.
“Thanks,” he muttered, mopping up the mess on the table.
Earlier, when Gabe and Trevor made their way off the roof, they’d concocted a plausible explanation for Trevor’s actions, one that made no mention of witchcraft. Basically, it sounded like a lover’s spat. They’d agreed to the following: Gabe and Abby were a couple. They’d had a major blowout, and Trevor seized the opportunity to score points with Abby. When Gabe arrived at Abby’s house to pick up the baby and saw Trevor there, he’d gone ballistic. Trevor then realized he’d never have a chance with Abby unless he did something dramatic, like threaten to kill himself. Unfortunately, Gabe and Trevor hadn’t had the opportunity to clue Abby in on the story.
Once off the roof, the student body had erupted with whistles and cheers, chanting, “Gabe! Gabe! Gabe!”
Biggie broke through the crowd and slung a massive arm around Gabe. “Way to go, Gabe. You just earned some serious man points.”
“Hell, yeah! That’s my boy!” Kevin had yelled.
It was all too good to be true. Until now. Now, he was in serious trouble. Maybe even expulsion-from-school trouble.
Principal Bofto cleared her throat. “Since Gabe’s future as a potential graduating senior is at risk, it’s extremely important that we gather all pertinent information. Here’s what we know without a doubt. Gabe ignored directives from school personnel. He physically pushed them aside in order to climb onto the roof. In doing so, he put himself and others in a life-threatening situation.”
“What others?” Gabe said. “They were already on the roof.”
Bofto held up a hand. “Your actions could have precipitated a terrible event.”
“But, they didn’t,” Gabe said. “My actions prevented a terrible event.” Frustration was making his blood boil.
“You had no way of knowing how the situation was going to play out,” Bofto said. “And the fact remains, you disobeyed direct orders from school officials. Please do not interrupt again, Gabe. You’ll have a chance to share your side of the story at a later time.”
Gabe opened his mouth to answer, but Bofto’s fierce glare silenced him.
“Actually,” Tompkins said, “This is Gabe’s second infraction in two days. Only yesterday, he left campus without checking out of school. When I ordered him to accompany me to the office, he jumped in his car and took off. You seem to have a complete disregard for rules, Gabe. Without rules, there would be anarchy.”
Oh, great. Now he was an anarchist. What was next? Treason?
Papi shot to his feet, his eyes sparking with anger. “Ladies and gentlemen, with all due respect, I think you’re missing the big picture. My son may have ignored your orders today, but he did so out of caring for his friends. What do you think would have happened if Gabe hadn’t gone on that roof?”
Trevor, who’d been slumped in his chair, snapped to attention. “I’d have jumped,” he said, without a trace of quiver in his voice. “Gabe talked me out of it.”
Trevor’s mother clapped a hand over her mouth. His father pursed his lips and stared straight ahead.
Principal Bofto gripped the edge of the table. Two red spots burned high on her cheekbones. She looked like a woman whose world had spun out of control. “Although we’re very pleased you didn’t jump, Trevor, rules are rules.” She paused for a moment, gathering her thoughts. “Okay, obviously psychological help is recommended and . . .”
“Ms. Bofto,” Luanne said. “I’m a nurse at Swedish Hospital and, if his parents agree, I can arrange for Trevor to receive counseling.”
Trevor turned to his parents who nodded their approval.
Lee Bradford stood. “For the record, I agree with Gabe’s father. Gabe’s a good kid. If he
shoved somebody, so what? I see a lot worse here at school every day. Fights. Bullying. You name it. In my opinion, he deserves praise, not punishment.”
Gabe’s heart swelled with gratitude.
Bofto’s brows drew together in a frown. “I suppose that’s one way to look at it. Thank you, Mr. Bradburn.” She opened the file folder and began flipping through the pages. Gabe assumed she was looking for incriminating evidence.
After a full minute of silence, Tompkins turned to her and murmured, “Perhaps we should start from the beginning.”
Bofto nodded. “Yes, good idea. Trevor?”
Trevor stood and placed a hand on Gabe’s shoulder. “If Gabe hadn’t climbed up on that roof, I’d be dead now.”
Whoa, maybe that was laying it on a little too thick.
But as Gabe studied the facial expressions of the adults around the table, they were totally buying it. Trevor related the story they’d agreed upon. When he got to the part about Gabe and Abby being a couple, Abby’s eyes widened in surprise. But when it was her turn to speak, she stuck to the same story, as did Gabe.
An hour later, the verdict was in. A three-day suspension or three weeks of Saturday school. Weak with relief, Gabe opted for Saturday school. In doing so, he said, “Of course, I’ll have to bring my baby with me. That won’t be a problem, will it?”
Papi’s hand flew to his mouth, hiding a smile.
“Highly irregular,” Tomkins said.
Papi countered with, “He’s being responsible. Isn’t that what you want?”
Bofto ignored the question and rose. “Thank you all for your time. Trevor, you may leave with your parents. Gabe and Abby, back to class.”
Before Papi left, Gabe gave him a hug. “Thanks, Papi. For everything.”
Papi gave him a fake glare. “No more, Gabriel. My job is suffering.”
Abby was silent as she and Gabe walked across the courtyard. Finally Gabe said, “What we said back there, about us being a couple?”
She glanced up at him. “Made a good story.”
“Maybe I don’t want it to be a story. Maybe I . . . um . . . want it to be true. What I’m trying to say is . . . I’ve got feelings for you.”
“Oh, really?” Her eyes danced with mischief. “What kind of feelings?”
Gabe blew out his breath. “You’re making this really hard, Abby. I’ve had a rough day. You know exactly what I’m trying to say.”
She smiled up at him. “Yeah, I think I do. Tell you what. I’ll think on it, eh? See ya later, Gabe.”
She took off at a trot, leaving him standing in the middle of the courtyard. When she reached the door of her classroom, she turned and blew him a kiss.
Gabe shook his head. Women. Obviously they were from a different planet.
The Scientific Academy of Merit
“HOW. COULD. YOU. Let. This. Happen.”
Samantha Worthington’s words were spoken quietly, but the tone was so venomous it caused chief of security, Ted Lowry, to rock back on his heels. His normally tanned face faded to a sickly shade of yellow. Beads of perspiration popped out on his forehead.
Hamilton Knowles gave a derisive snort. “Inexcusable.”
Samantha raked Knowles with a glare. “Shut up, Hamilton. You’re just gloating because you’re off the hook this time.
Knowles’ face reddened. He opened his mouth to retort and then changed his mind.
The three were closeted in Samantha’s office. She paced back and forth in front of her desk. “How did Landman escape? He must have had help.”
“Gary Nelson,” Lowry mumbled, edging toward the door.
Beyond irritated, Samantha pointed at a chair. “For God’s sake, Lowry. Sit your ass down and tell me how it happened.”
Lowry swiped at his forehead and perched on the edge of a chair. “I talked to the night man. Nelson came in around midnight. Said he left his backpack with his laptop in the break room. That has to be when he got Landman out.”
“But how?” Samantha said. “What about CCTV? Have you viewed the footage?”
“That’s just it,” Lowry said. “Right after Nelson came in, there was a power outage. It took a while for the generators to kick in. We figure that’s when they slipped out. Trouble is, nobody found out until this morning.”
“What about the hourly bed check?”
“Landman always slept with the covers up over his head. He’d stuffed a pillow and some clothes under the covers. The guard said it looked like there was a person in the bed.”
Samantha sank into her chair and drummed her fingernails on the desk. “So, let me get this straight. Gary Nelson came in at midnight, did something to make the power to go off. Then, he and Landman split.” She glanced at her watch. “Which means Landman’s had a seven hour window of opportunity to go God-knows-where. Is that about right?”
“Yes, Ma’am,” Lowry said, bowing his head.
“How could we have been so wrong about Nelson?” Knowles said. “Did he pass all the tests?”
“Yeah,” Lowry said. “And he fit our profile for security guard. No close relationships. Not much interest in anything but playing video games. Scored low on personal integrity. We paid him well, and I never saw any sign that he was bothered by what we do here.”
Samantha stood and stared out the window. “We have to assume the worst, that Landman is on his way to the authorities. Maybe he’s already there.”
“I’ve got my best people on his trail,” Lowry said. “We should know something soon. And, I’ve called a locksmith.”
“No,” Samantha said. “Forget the locks. We have to move the supes to the farmhouse. Now. This place has to be squeaky clean if law enforcement comes around. Lowry, call in extra guards. Get the supes packed up and ready to go.”
The two men stood.
“And, Hamilton,” she added. “Let’s sweeten the pot. $100,000 reward for Landman. Dead or alive.”
Chapter Thirty
GABE STAGGERED into the parenting class, loaded down with past, present, and future homework. The last two days had been insane. He was seriously behind in every class. Oh, yeah, Saturday school. Maybe I’ll get caught up then. Highly unlikely, unless Birdie sleeps the whole time. Also highly unlikely.
“Hey, Baby Daddy!”
Gabe stifled a groan. Patti Sifuentes had the instincts of a lioness on the prowl. She always knew when her prey was in a weakened condition.
“Yeah, how ya doin’?” Gabe mumbled, sliding into his seat.
Patti slipped into the desk next to him. “That took some major cojones.”
“Huh?”
“What you did yesterday on the roof.”
Whoa, was this Patti being nice? “Thanks.”
She ducked her head and examined her dirty white sneakers. Gabe noticed the left shoe was labeled “F” and the right shoe, “U.”
“Um,” she said. “That Trevor kid is way cool. I’m glad you talked him down.”
She thought Trevor was cool? “Really?”
She snorted. “Shit, yes, really. Why? You think I made it up?”
Gabe shrugged. “Nah, I don’t know him that well but he seems okay.”
Patti studied his face for a long moment before punching him in the arm. Hard enough to make him flinch. “Here’s the deal, Delgado. I’m thinking about asking Trevor to the winter formal. Ya think he’d go with me?”
Gabe blinked in surprise. He hadn’t seen that one coming. He thought about how to frame his next question. “What about, er, the FOB?”
“Who?” Patti looked puzzled.
“You know, father of baby?”
With a bark of laughter, Patti said, “Him?”
Gabe nodded.
“Haven’t seen him since before my kid was born.”
&
nbsp; “Well, in that case, go for it,” Gabe said. “Trevor, I mean.”
“How about putting in a good word for me?”
Oh, great, now he had to play matchmaker. But, then, he owed Trevor a favor. Other than talking him off the roof. “Yeah, sure. I can do that.”
One of Patti’s friends said, “Whatcha gonna wear. Ya gotta have a big ass fancy dress for the winter formal.”
Patti’s scowled. “Still got my quinceanera dress. Should be fancy enough.”
A wave of pity washed over Gabe. Patti was tough as nails in her shabby clothes and dirty sneakers. But she had still had a young girl’s yearning for pretty clothes and a date for the big dance.
“Sounds good,” Gabe said. “All you need is a date. I’ll talk to Trevor next time I see him.”
Ms. Newcomb slipped into the room and squeaked, “Seats, everybody. Today we will learn the proper way to bathe baby.”
She was greeted with a chorus of groans. Miss Newcomb flushed purple and rapped her knuckles on the desk in a desperate attempt to create order from chaos. Thankfully, Gabe was spared from her continued humiliation when Ms. Wachsmith opened the door and said, “Gabe, come with me, please.”
Gabe bolted from his chair and followed Ms. Wachsmith into her office.
Detective Paulson’s bulky frame took up half of the small space. His keen-eyed gaze scanned Gabe from head to toe.
“Oh, hi,” Gabe said, his voice cracking like it hadn’t done for years. He ducked his head in embarrassment when he realized how lame he sounded.
Without preamble or pleasantries, Paulson said, “I’ve got a few more questions. You want your dad here?”
“Nah, that’s okay.” There was no way he’d summon his father to school three days in a row.
Ms. Wachsmith, who’d been hovering over her desk, said, “As a responsible adult, I would be glad to fill in for Gabe’s father. After all, he is one of my students.”
Paulson shrugged and lifted a questioning eyebrow toward Gabe.
“Thanks, Ms. Wachsmith,” Gabe said. “I appreciate your offer but I can handle it.”
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