Page 35 of Silent Road

Toward her kid, who needed her whether she wanted to admit it or not.

* * *

The new apartments on River Street looked older than their six months, already showing signs of wear.Paint peeled from the railings, and cigarette butts littered the walkways despite the "No Smoking" signs.Unit 212, according to Katie's text.

Sheila knocked firmly.No response, though she heard movement inside—the scrape of a chair, whispered voices.

She knocked again, harder."Sheriff's Department.Open up."

More whispers, then footsteps approaching.The door opened to reveal a tall young man with dark hair and a sleeve tattoo.Jake.He had the practiced casualness of someone used to talking his way out of trouble.

"Can I help you?"His casual tone didn't match his tense posture.

"I'm looking for Star."

"Don't know any Star."He started to close the door.

Sheila's hand shot out, catching the edge.Her eyes had landed on something behind him—Star's favorite boots by the couch, the ones with the purple laces she'd spent a week's allowance on.

"Star!"she called out."I know you're in there."

A moment passed.Then Star appeared from the bedroom, wearing an oversized t-shirt that clearly belonged to Jake.Her dark hair was mussed, her makeup smeared.

"What are you doing here?"Star's voice dripped with hostility.

"What am I doing here?"Sheila fought to keep her voice steady."You've been gone for twenty-four hours.Nobody knew where you were.And you're asking what I'm doing here?"

Play it cool,Sheila told herself.Easier said than done.

"I'm fine.Obviously."Star crossed her arms."You can go now."

Jake shifted uncomfortably."Seriously, there's nothing to get worked up about here."

"How old are you, Jake?"Sheila asked, her eyes boring into him.

He hesitated."Seventeen."

"And your driver's ID will confirm that?"

He paled.

"You don't have to give it to her," Star said, glaring at Sheila."She can't make you."

Sheila's jaw tightened as her worst fears were confirmed.An adult.With her fourteen-year-old ward.

Sheila ignored Star and kept her attention on Jake."You're aware that Star is fourteen?"

"Almost fifteen," Star interjected.

"A minor," Sheila said.

Jake raised his hands."Look, we haven't done anything—"

"Really?Because it looks like she spent the night here."

"That's none of your business!"Star snapped, flushed.

I'm humiliating her,Sheila thought.She's trying to live her own life, establish some independence, and I'm ruining it.Still… what could she do?If the two of them were sleeping together…

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