Page 90 of Dreaming at Seaside
“I know. Thanks, Chief.”
On the way out of the station, Evan apologized again.
“I know you’re sorry, Ev. You did the right thing by telling us. I just wish you would have come to me sooner, but in the end, you did the right thing, and I’m proud of you for that.”
Evan had been strong throughout the last few grueling hours. He hadn’t shed a tear since they left the boat, and he hadn’t lost his cool. Now, at his father’s words, his eyes dampened again.
“I didn’t mean to mess up so badly, Dad, but I swear to you that I didn’t have anything to do with any of the break-ins. I just wanted friends to hang out with, and then, when I realized what they were into, I didn’t really believe it at first—then I did…”
Caden pulled Evan into his arms. His thin frame shook within Caden’s stable embrace.
“I’m sorry, Dad. I’m so sorry.”
Caden cupped the back of his son’s head and held him close. He’d held him through scraped knees, broken fingers, and hurt feelings. He’d held him through tears shed over an absentee mother, and George’s death, which had sent them both crumpling to their knees. But this, holding Evan after watching him do what most adults wouldn’t have the courage to do—snitch on kids he’d have to face on a daily basis in the fall—this was powerful. Petrifying. This was why he needed to be there for Evan every minute he could.
On the way out of the parking lot, Evan asked to see Vera again.
“Evan, she’s had a terribly hard day. It’s seven o’clock. I think it might be better to wait until tomorrow.”
Evan pressed his palms to his thighs. “Please, Dad? I want to talk to them.”
“As I said, they may not be very receptive.”
“I know. That’s okay. You’ve always taught me to say I’m sorry, and I don’t want to wait to say it.” Evan’s eyes were hooded, tired, but his voice was determined.
Caden knew that Evan would stay up half the night thinking about it if he didn’t take him to see Vera now. He also knew that the longer he waited to talk to Bella, the more difficult it would be.
“Okay.”
The sun was beginning to set when they pulled into Seaside. Evan’s eyes jumped over each cottage on the way around the gravel drive.
“No one’s outside,” he said.
“It’s been a tough day.” Caden looked at Bella’s cottage and caught sight of a shadow through the window. His chest ached with the memory of being with her last night.
He parked by Vera’s cottage and told Evan to wait in the car so he could ask Jamie if it was okay for Evan to come in. He knew this wasn’t going to be easy for any of them, but Jamie had looked like Caden had felt earlier in the day when they were at the urgent care center—ready to tear someone’s head off. He couldn’t protect Evan from what he went through with those kids, but he could, and would, protect him from whatever else he was able to. Jamie had a right to be angry, but Caden hoped he’d be able to control his anger where Evan was concerned, at least until he heard him out.
Jamie answered the door with surprise in his eyes. “Caden.”
“Hi, Jamie. How’s Vera?”
“She’s okay. Would you like to see her?” He stepped to the side, and Caden saw Vera sitting on the couch, reading.
“Actually, Evan’s in the car, and he’d like to talk to both of you.”
Jamie furrowed his brow.
“Jamie, I tried to dissuade him, but he really wants to make amends. We’re just coming back from the police station. He didn’t have anything to do with any of this, and he feels horrible.”
“Jamie Joseph, you let that boy come in and say his piece,” Vera said from behind Jamie. “Hello, Caden. How are you, dear?” Vera peered around her grandson.
“We’ve seen better days. I’m truly sorry, Vera.”
“Yes, dear. You told me that at least a dozen times today, and I do appreciate it. You know I think I scared those boys as much as they scared me. They left as quickly as they came when they realized I was here. I think they expected the place to be empty. Please bring Evan inside. I’d like to speak to him.”
“Thank you, Vera.” Out of respect, Caden also deferred to Jamie. “Jamie?”
“Of course. Bring him in.” Jamie sat down on the couch.
