Clark and I pull up, before hopping out of his truck. "Hey there, Clark, Callie"
"Mr. McNally," Clark nods.
"Well, it's been a long time."
"Your farm looks great," I compliment.
"I thought your crops were nearly destroyed during the last meteor shower," Clark inquires.
"It may sound strange, but I've come to think of that meteor shower as a blessing. It taught me with a little hard work anything's possible," he admits.
"What'd the deputy want," I ask.
"Looking for illegal aliens. Better believe that all my workers have their papers," he says. "I'm sorry to hear about your father. How's your mom holding up?"
"She's okay, thanks. Our tractor, on the other hand... We broke an axle. I was hoping you might have a spare pivot pin."
"Pivot pin? You know, I just might. Let me check the barn," he nods, before walking off.
I look over at the workers. "Excuse me," I say, approaching them. "I'm looking for Francisco. Do you know Francisco?" He nods and says something in Spanish, but I can't understand him. "I'm sorry, I don't understand," I shake my head. He repeats what he said.
"Found one! You're in luck. Still in the wrapper," he says, tossing it to Clark.
"Thanks."
"Give my best to the senator."
"Sure," I nod.
We head back to the truck, and I sigh.
*back at home*
Clark and I head inside to see Mom standing at the counter. "Mom, you're home early from Topeka."
"The vote was postponed, which isn't so bad. Gives me time to shore up support. Is everything alright?"
"Um...," I start, glancing at Clark when there's a knock at the door. Mom approaches the door, and I turn around to see an officer at the door.
"Afternoon, Senator."
"Hello. Is there a problem," Mom asks, opening the door.
"Well, a motorist saw a Latino boy running across Highway 54. He might be an undocumented worker. Have you seen anyone?"
"I just got home. Clark? Callie," Mom questions.
"It seems like an awful lot of trouble just to catch one person," I say.
"Well, not if he's in the country illegally. Do you mind if I look in your barn?"
"No, go ahead."
"Do you really have to search our property," Clark questions.
"Clark, it's fine. We don't have anything to hide," Mom says.
"Then I'll go with you," I say, following him out the door.
~ ~ ~
"No one seems to be here," I say.
"It's best to be thorough. You'd be surprised where people can hide," he says.
"You know, this kid isn't hurting anyone. Why not just let him be?"
"I'm just doing my job, Callie. If you want to get into the country, you need to do it the legal way like my parents did. If you see anything, give us a call."
"Will do, Deputy," I nod. I glance around when I notice a cabinet. I approach it, opening the doors. "You can come out now. He's gone."
"How'd you know I was in there?"
"I used to hide in there all the time," I admit.
"Why didn't you tell the police?"
"Because I know what it feels like to be out of place. Besides, my brother and I aren't from around here either."
"Where are you from?"
"Someplace a lot further than Mexico. Listen, Javier, I need your help. All the workers at the farm are too scared to talk but one of them said this to me. Can you translate it for me," I ask, showing him the piece of paper.
"Big tree five. There's a huge willow tree at the farm."
"Okay, I'll go check it out. You just stay here, alright?"
I turn around when I see Mom and Clark behind me. "You're not going anywhere, Callie," Mom says making my eyes widen.
