Page 80 of Shuttered Hearts

“Okay, that’s fine. They can stay,” Gage says. “Thanks, Caleb.”

I’m glad Gage is the one here. He and I aren’t close friends, but we’ve shared a beer at Murphy’s now and then. Early on, when Tyler first started telling me about his home life, Gage was the one I talked to about my concerns. I’m glad someone who has a little understanding of his past is here, helping him.

“Tyler, it will be tough answering some of these questions. I need you to be honest, okay? You aren’t in trouble here. Remember that.”

“Okay,” Tyler says hesitantly.

“Can you tell me what happened tonight?” Gage asks as he pulls a small notebook from his pocket.

“I don’t really know. I was in my room, trying to stay out of sight, and Mom stormed in, yelling at me about Dad. She was ranting about how it was all my fault. How Dad never wanted me, but she couldn’t give me up, and how it was my fault he cheated on her.” He glances over at me before turning back to Gage. “She said I was useless, and no one cared about me, so it would be better if I weren’t here anymore.”

I see Quinn shift in her seat, bringing her hand to her mouth and holding back a sob. I reach over and place my hand on her shoulder, trying to offer her comfort.

“I thought she was just going to tell me to pack my stuff and leave, but she kept yelling. And then she smacked me. I think she was shocked she’d done it because Mom froze long enough I thought it was over, but then she started wailing on me.” He looks at me, worry on his face. “I didn’t hit back, I swear.” Tears form in his eyes. “I swear, I didn’t hit her back.”

“It’s okay.” I reach for him, placing my hand on his shoulder. “Whatever you did or didn’t do, that’s not what matters now. Just tell us what happened next.” I leave my hand on his shoulder, squeezing lightly in support.

“I ran from my room, but she caught up to me in the living room. I don’t know where she got it, but she had a baseball bat.”He looks down at his lap. “She started hitting me with it. I curled up in a ball on the floor, trying to protect myself.” He looks back up, staring right at Gage. “I think I passed out because the next thing I remember is waking up on the floor. Mom was nowhere in sight, so I got out of there as quickly as I could.” He turns back to me. “I remember you told me I could always come to you if I needed help, so I walked to you.” I squeeze his shoulder again, trying to tell him he did good.

“You don’t know where your mom was when you left?” Gage asks.

“No. I didn’t hear anything, so I don’t think she was home.”

“Do you know where she would have gone?”

“She’s been spending a lot of time at Murphy’s since Dad left. Maybe she would have gone there?”

“Okay.” Gage writes something down before closing his notebook and putting it back in his pocket. “Thanks, Tyler.” Gage takes a minute to study him before he says anything else. “Your mom was wrong. People do care about you. Don’t doubt that, all right?” Gage waits for Tyler to nod before he turns to Quinn and me. “Can I talk to you both in the hall for a second?”

“Yeah,” I say. “We’ll be right back. We’re not going anywhere,” I tell Tyler, making sure he hears me before Quinn and I follow Gage out the door.

“How did no one see him walking to your house?” Quinn asks the second the door closes behind us.

“I don’t know,” I say, reaching for her hand.

“We’ll talk with his neighbors, see if they heard or saw anything.” Gage sighs, looking at me. “I know it’s been a while since we’ve talked about Tyler, but have you had any new concerns since his dad left?”

“Not like this, no,” I tell him, crossing my arms over my chest. “He’s been acting out more at school this year, but nothing truly horrible.” I shake my head, thinking for a minute. “He usedto spend a lot of time with Julie Steward, but there’s been a lot of tension between them since the start of the year. I thought it was because his dad left. He never said anything about his mom.” I feel Quinn’s hand on my back, slowly rubbing circles.

“I believe you, Dec. It’s not your fault. I just wanted to make sure there isn’t anything new.” Gage turns to Quinn. “What about you, Quinn? Is there anything you noticed?”

“No.” She shakes her head. “But I haven’t known him long. I’ve noticed he’s become a little more withdrawn since I started at the school, but I didn’t know if that was completely out of the norm for him.” She glances at me before turning back to Gage. “You might want to talk to the guidance counselor. She organized a few meetings with all his teachers to discuss his behavior and attitude. I know she also tried to contact his mom a few times.”

“Okay. Thanks.” He reaches out to shake our hands. “I’ll be in touch if I have any more questions.”

“Do you know what happens with Tyler now?” Quinn asks.

“As far as I know, he has no other family, so he’ll likely go to a group home. He’s so close to turning eighteen, it’ll be hard to find a place for him.” Gage grimaces at the thought.

“Thanks, Gage.” I shake his hand one more time before he walks away.

“A group home?” Quinn says, stepping in front of me.

“I know.” I hate the idea of Tyler being lost to the system, but I’m not sure what else we can do. We might be able to petition for emergency foster placement, but is that really in Tyler’s best interest? We might not be strangers to him, and we could definitely offer him a comfortable place to land, but is that enough?

“We could do it,” she offers as if she’s reading my mind.

“Quinn.” I take her hand in mine. “I know your heart is in the right place, but is that the right answer?”

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