Dark Mind (The Dark Mind Trilogy Book 1) (19 page)

He took up his post by the window but nothing appeared. After a night of troubled sleep he found Beth in the kitchen during the late morning.

“Did they call back yet?” Cole asked her.

Beth laughed. “I don’t know how they work but I can tell you it’s certainly not that fast. I’d give it a couple weeks.”

“A couple
weeks
? You’ve got to be kidding me! How can I possibly wait –” The sound of footsteps behind him cut him short. “Mom!”

“Morning, Cole.”

“What are you doing home? Don't you have work?”

Everyone needs to take a day off once in a while, right?”

“Uh huh.” Cole wrapped his arms around her, pretending not to notice that her face was suffering the distinct symptoms of exhaustion. “What are we going to do today?” he said.

“I hear Aunt Beth has got quite the board game selection. What say we stay in and have a relaxing day of games?”

Despite the nagging in the back of his mind, that day was the most enjoyable one in a long time. He somehow managed not to dwell on any of his problems and it thrilled him to see his mother having a restful, happy day that she so well deserved. It came to an end all too soon and as he went to sleep, he dreaded the return to the hardships that the morning would bring.

Monday everything was back to normal, or as close to normal as it could ever be anymore. He was ecstatic to find Amy sitting in the cafeteria, chatting up his new group of “friends.” She had left an empty spot next to her, where Cole appreciatively took a seat to listen in on the ongoing conversation. They were talking loudly and barely seemed to notice Cole’s added presence but Amy mouthed him a quick “hi” and gave him a look that said “this should be fun.”

After a brief conversation which Cole ignored, but Amy obligatorily engaged in, Martin turned the group's attention to Cole.

“I’m glad you could both join us,” Martin said. “Isn’t it more fun to hang out in a group than by yourselves?”

“Oh yeah, of course,” Cole responded, prompting Amy to kick him under the table.

“You guys gotta catch me up on everything that’s happened since I’ve been gone,” Amy said.

From that point on, they more or less ignored Cole, and since he had no desire to give any input into their juvenile conversations, he drifted off. He hoped he wouldn’t have to deal with them for every lunch from then on. More than anything, though, he wished for a way to isolate Amy and himself so they could talk but it proved a hopeless endeavor. As he sat there, the familiar whispers trickled into his consciousness. He tried to return his attention to the conversation but the persistent voices inside prevented him from being able to focus.

At last, when the period ended, the whispering disappeared so suddenly and completely that it was as if it had never happened at all. As the students dispersed, Amy hung back from the group so they could talk in private. Martin gave her a look but said nothing and continued on with the group.

“That was interesting,” she said. “Sorry, they’re a little obnoxious but kinda cool. You should join in the conversations. You’d enjoy yourself more.”

“Yeah, maybe. Did anyone show up at your house yet?”

“What do you mean? Like who?”

“Still not? Man, they sure do take their sweet time when children are in danger,” Cole said. “My Aunt Beth called
Child Services and they said they’d investigate.”

“Is that safe?”

“She says it is and I trust her.”

“Thanks a lot. I want you to know how much I appreciate this.” By now the teachers were rounding up the students to bring them back to class. “Soooo… don’t be upset but
I mighta... kinda... went to see Travis yesterday.”

“You what?! Are you kidding me? Why would you do that?”

“I’ll have to tell you later. If you don’t leave now you’ll be in trouble.”

“You can’t do that to me. Tell me quickly.”

“I’ll tell you everything after school,” Amy said. “I’m sure my mom will be more than happy to get rid of me for the evening.”

Cole grumbled and hurried after his class, which was already starting to head out. He spent the rest of the day annoyed, tired of the suspense that seemed to plague his everyday existence. At times like this he missed the simplicity of the recent past, but that simplicity was long gone now and he was no longer sure he wanted it back. For better or worse, this was his life, and right now all he cared about was finding out what had transpired yesterday. He was also frustrated with Amy that she would do something so foolish. The last thing he wanted was to have her involved
, but no matter what he did, the opposite inevitably occurred.

He met up with Amy after school and, to his relief, Mrs. Brown permitted her to leave with him. They exchanged looks of anticipation during the car ride and disappeared into the library as soon as they walked in the door.

“Okay, go,” Cole said.

“Don’t expect too much.”

“Just go.”

“All right, all right,” Amy said, taking a seat. “I decided that I had to find out, no offense, what was going on for myself. I had to hear his side.”

“I see you’re still alive so it couldn’t have been too bad. I still can’t believe you would do that.”

“Yeah,
I had no idea what to expect. It was… interesting.”

Cole leaned forward expectantly.

Amy continued. “When I reached their door I almost chickened out and ran away but I was too curious and close at that point so I knocked. A woman answered the door with a big scowl on her face and asked what I wanted. I said that I was there to see Travis and she became immediately suspicious, asking me why I wanted to see him. Then Travis poked his head around a corner from the back of the house and he had a huge bandage wrapped all around his head. I really hope you didn’t hurt him too bad. As soon as he saw me his eyes widened and he disappeared back behind the wall. I said I was Travis’ friend but she didn’t believe me and then I thought I saw a hint of recognition and she got really angry and threatened that she better never see me again and then she slammed the door in my face. I guess she remembered me from that night we saw them in the car outside. She must have been the one driving. Anyway, I didn’t realize it until I was walking away but I saw a whole bunch of bags packed inside the house like they were leaving on a long trip or something.”

Cole was silent a moment while he absorbed the story. “Wow. I’m glad you’re okay but I really didn’t want you to get involved. For your own sake, don't ever go back there. It's dangerous.”

“Don’t worry Cole, I’m fine. And I doubt there’ll be anything to go back to even if I wanted.”

“That is strange. I wonder where they’re going. I don’t remember their bags being packed when I was there. Do you think they might actually be leaving because of me?”

“I didn't wanna say anything, but yeah, maybe.”

“Wow.”

They were quiet a moment. “So there's going to be some people coming to my house soon?” Amy said. “I'm kinda nervous about that. Won't my parents be angry?”

“I hate to say it but that would actually help your cause. If you have a mark to show them, they're guaranteed to get you out.”

“Oh, great.”

“...sorry. That was a stupid thing to say,” Cole muttered. “I'm sure they won't hit you because they'll be afraid you'll be taken away.”

“Actually, they'll prob'ly just give me away. I might not even need to say anything.”

“Yeah.”

There was another awkward pause.

Amy broke the silence again. “Let's go see what games your aunt has.”

“Okay.”

They picked out a game they'd never heard of before but both of them were too distracted to learn the rules properly or to pay any real attention. Soon afterward, Mrs. Brown showed up to get Amy. Cole could not bring himself to see her to the door and act innocent in front of her mother. He wished her luck and remained in hiding in the library, admiring her strength and her ability to hide her emotions from anyone.

18

Lunch the next day passed in much the same way as the day before but all period Cole could see a glimmer in Amy's eye indicating information she could barely contain. About halfway through lunch she got up, saying she'd be right back, and beckoned Cole to follow. She led him to the corner, out of earshot of any eavesdroppers.

“No offense, but I couldn't convince myself it was actually going to happen but it
did
,” she said. “It's real. Some guy in a suit showed up at my house last night and had a word in private with my parents and then he came to my room and closed the door. Said he was from Child Services and was there to ask me some questions.”

Her face lit up as she recounted the story. “I was in so much shock I could hardly say anything. He asked me a few questions about my happiness and my parents and how I liked them. I started answering him really simply, just like, I'm not happy, don't like them, whatever, when I just broke down and begged him to get me out. I was like, 'Please don't leave me here. I hate it. Let me come with you.' He calmed me down and said he couldn't take me that night but he would talk to me after school today. Then, after he left, my dad came in my room, angrier than I have ever seen him. He pressed me to tell him who had called
Child Services and, when I refused to answer, he screamed that even if I told them anything they would never believe me and I would regret it and I would never be taken away anyway so I'd better keep my mouth shut. You were right, though. He didn't hit me.”

Cole was stunned. “Wow, that's awful but also kinda great. They actually came. I didn't think they would either. So you should be outta there soon.”

“Well I mean I guess I have to tell them the truth, right? I mean they have to believe me, don't they? Why would I lie about that?”

“Of course you have to tell the truth. You'll get out. Don't worry.”

“I hope you're right because if I don't get out my parents will literally kill me. Thanks again for helping me, Cole.” She wrapped him in a quick hug and led the way back to the table.

“What was all that about?” one of the boys asked when they sat down.

“We were just making fun of you,” Amy said. “No big deal. So, wasn't that English test crazy hard?”

Cole smirked.

“I don't like you two sharing secrets without us,” Martin said. “We're a group. Whatever you can tell him, you can tell us.”

“I'm sorry but you're going to have to live with it,” Amy said. “Get over yourself.”

“Slut.”

“Hey, that's not funny!
I said don't call me that.”

Martin raised his hands in mock innocence. “I'm not the one who-”

“Shut up!”

Martin scowled and turned away, proceeding to ignore her existence. Cole looked to Amy but she would not meet his eyes.

After school, Cole was outside in time to see Amy get into an unknown vehicle and drive away.

Best of luck. You'll be out soon.

He got inside Beth's waiting minivan.

“Hi, Aunt Beth. Can you please do me a huge favor?”

“You sure ask a lot of favors.”

“It's really important. Won't take long, I promise.”

Beth grunted. “What is it?”

“Thanks. I just need you to stop by someone's house real quick.”

“Better be quick. Do you know how to get there?” Beth said as she drove away.

Cole directed her to the forsaken small, dirty gray house and told her to leave her engine idling because he would be right back. She gave him a strange look but did not say anything. Cole climbed out and walked tentatively up the path to the front door. He glanced back at Beth sitting in the car and briefly wondered if he should go through with this. Depending on what she saw, he might have a lot of difficult things to try to explain away. Then again, it was better her than his mom.

He followed his gut and knocked. When no one came to the door after a few seconds he knocked harder and put his ear to the door to listen. There was not a sound inside. He walked to one of the windows and peered inside, pressing his nose against the glass and cupping his hands over his eyes. The house was vacant. Excepting for a few large pieces of furniture, there was not a belonging in sight and it looked as if no one had been there for ages. It was what he had expected yet, nevertheless, it was a surprise to see. Satisfied but mystified, he ventured back to the car.

“What was that all about?” Beth said.

“Nothing. Schoolwork related but I guess he's not home. Sorry about that.”

Back at Beth's house, while Cole was holed up in the library mindlessly perusing a book, the phone rang. He paid it no mind until Amy's name filtered into the room, interrupting his cyclical train of thought and focusing his attention on his aunt's voice. He dropped the book and ran into the kitchen to better hear the conversation.

“I wish I could help you,” Beth was saying, “but I'm just as baffled as you are... Yes, shocking. I can't imagine who could've called them... Yes, I'll ask him but I'm fairly certain he couldn't and wouldn't... It's not a problem. I'm sorry you have to deal with this. Goodbye.” She hung up, shaking her head, and faced Cole. “That stupid woman wanted to know if I had called Child Services. Why would I do something like that? Did you call them, you naughty boy?” She grinned.

“Thanks, Aunt Beth. Did I mention how cool you are?”

“Yeah, I think so. By the way, Child Services called here today. They should be stopping by to ask some questions after school tomorrow.”

“Oh no, here?” Cole said.

“Don't worry, your mom won't be here. They shouldn't take long.”

“All right. I can't wait to have a word with them. After what I tell them, they'll be whisking Amy away the same day. I'm so happy this is going through.”

“Don't jump to any conclusions yet, Cole. Let them investigate.”

“What do you mean? How could they possibly not take her away?”

“I'm sure they will, I'm just saying,” Beth said.

“What? You do believe me, don't you? I wouldn't make this up.”

“Yes, I believe you. Go back to reading. I'm going to start dinner.”

Cole shook his head and left, trying to brush away these newfound doubts that he knew were absurd.

*  *  *

School the next day progressed in the same routine that Cole had gotten both used to and tired of in the short couple of days it had occurred. However, when Amy tried to pull him aside to talk, Martin stood up in their way.

“Are you gonna do this every day?” he said. “I really don't like all these secrets.”

“Who made you the boss of everyone?” Cole flared up as the incessant whispering began in his head.

The table went silent while Amy just smiled.

“Wh- you-” Martin stuttered.

“Look, I have something to tell him,” Amy said. “Is that a crime? It's either you learn to deal with it or maybe we shouldn't hang out anymore.”

Martin's face scrunched up. “I don't like this new you. What happened to the cool Amy?” He sat back down and everyone at the table started talking again.

“I'm starting to wonder how I ever hung out with them,” Amy said as they walked away. “You know you're the coolest kid at this school?”

“All these kids are so obnoxious,” Cole said. “Sometimes it just pisses me off. I'm so glad there's someone like you who isn't a retarded ass. Are you gonna keep hanging out with them?”

“I don't know. I guess we'll see how he reacts after that conversation. Some of those guys are cool but Martin can be such a control freak. Anyway, forget them. About yesterday, I drove around with that guy from Child Services for a while and explained to him all the horrible details and how desperately I need to get away. I told him all about how they treat me and what they've done to me.”

“Really? That's awesome. How did he react?”

“It was honestly hard to tell. He seemed really nice and sincere and listened to everything I had to say. He asked me a lot of random questions about my life, things I like to do, about my parents. A whole bunch of stuff. At the end he said he would talk more with my parents and other people and there would be a decision soon. Man, after I got back my parents wouldn't even look at me and they didn't give me any dinner. I had to scrounge around the refrigerator after they went to sleep. More fuel to add to the evidence against them. I'm really getting my hopes up. It's going so great, but at the same time I'm really nervous and I'm not sure why. Shouldn't I be happier and more excited about this?”

“Of course you're nervous,” Cole said. “This is a major change, which takes a lot of guts. But afterwards life will be so much better that you'll wonder why you didn't do it ages ago.”

“Yeah, you're right. That's gotta be it. It will be really great to start over where I don't have to fear for my life every day.”

“After school today someone is coming over to talk to me and I'm going to hammer this whole business home. I can't wait to have a talk with him about your parents. Sweet, sweet revenge.”

Amy laughed nervously. “Good luck with that. All this energy should be convincing.”

“You'll be out of there the moment I'm done with him.”

“Sounds good. Let's head back to the table before they get even more annoyed.”

“Yeah, sure, wouldn't want that to happen. How would we enjoy their enthralling company then?”

Amy laughed. “Yeah, God forbid.”

All heads turned and watched as they sat back down at the table.

“What'd you and your boyfriend talk about?” one boy snickered. “You gonna kiss later? Is that the big secret?”

“Oh yeah, totally,
” Amy said. “Hardcore. We just got done planning out all the dirty details.”

A few boys chuckled while Cole blushed and averted his eyes.

“Serious? Ewww, with him? That's gross,” the boy said.

“It's a joke you dumbass,” Amy said.

“That's the Amy I remember,” Martin said. “Welcome back.”

A short while later, the end of lunch bell sounded and they parted ways.

“Good luck later,” Amy whispered in Cole's ear. “Let me know what happens tomorrow.”

“Of course. Unless you're whisked away before that,” he whispered back, giving her a light nudge.

“Very funny. See ya tomorrow.”

Beth was there to pick him up after school, looking particularly grumpy. “Your mother insists I take you to your appointment today,” she said as they drove off.

“What? Why? I have a friend. Wasn't that the whole point of these things? I mean, mission accomplished.”

“You'll have to ask your mother.”

“But what about the Child Services guy?” Cole said. “Isn't he supposed to talk to me now? That's way more important.”

“I spoke to him. He'll come after your appointment.”

With no more arguments, Cole rode the rest of the way with his aunt in silence, neither of them happy about where they were going.

“See you in an hour,” Beth said before she sped off.

Cole trudged inside.
You better have a damn good reason for this, Mom. I hope you're happy.
“Hey, Dr. Stern.”

Dr. Stern looked up from her desk. “Ah, Cole. Welcome,” she said.
“Come on in.”

Once inside the session room, Cole lay down on the couch while Dr. Stern took her seat.

“Is there anything you want to tell me first? Whatever happened with your friend Amy?”

“Oh, man. A lot.”

Cole dove into a brief summary of all the events that had occurred with Amy since the last visit, excluding any event that involved Travis, and ending with the imminent visit from the Child Services worker.

“And I'm scared,” he said. “What will happen to her if they decide against her? How can I make sure she'll be taken away? Do you know what they look for?”

Cole finished his speech and looked up at Dr. Stern expectantly, hoping she had some answers that no one else seemed to have.

Dr. Stern leaned back and crossed her legs. “That is quite a handful to absorb all at once, certainly the most eventful two weeks we've reviewed. To begin, in answer to your question, the best thing you can do is trust the authorities.”

Cole let out an exasperated groan. “No. That's what I keep hearing. There's gotta be something useful that someone knows. Can you look it up?”

“I have worked with them before and if you want a better idea of how they work, then here's what
I know. When they investigate a case, they will usually take the child out immediately if there is any evidence of abuse, including the child's testimony.”

Cole's eyes widened. “Then why hasn't she been taken yet?”

“Well, there's a few possibilities. The child is supposed to be removed from the parents if they are in danger. However, some workers will not want to do the paperwork and some may feel sorry for the parents. It is possible to deem that they are not in danger.”

“Yeah! This guy said he wanted to make sure Amy was telling the truth.
I bet you he feels sorry for her degenerate parents. What do I do to convince him?”