Unexpected 9: Crime Set

Chapter 31: More trouble

"Ladies and gentlemen....Finally, after a day of sun, rain, thunder and even lightning... a happy ending! British pop sensation Ed Sheeran was rescued safely alongside SWAT officer James Street from a dangling structure, under pouring rain and thunder. The scene seemed taken from a fictional work of art, as the wet bodies were retrieved using the extended ladder of a fire truck that was pulled into the recording area. Both men made their way off the huge Ferris Wheel and into the truck. Reports indicate Officer Street's arm was impacted by a bullet from the suspect detained, a man by the name of Manny Marrero. LAPD informed Officer Street was taken to a local hospital, but is in stable condition. Let's hope he makes a full recovery!"

5 am...

Sigh. What a weekend! But...he was finally home! After filing papers, finishing the gig, visiting Street in the hospital, delivering the celebs, police reports, making sure the guys were ok, checking in with his boss, changing in the station...what a mess! He took a deep breath as he turned off the engine of the car in the driveway. He sat back, taking a moment to just relax, enjoy the silence of the early Monday morning.

He had spoken with Hicks about coming in a bit late today, so he wasn't about to rush things this morning. He closed his eyes, rest his head, which was throbbing by now. He was so tired, he began to fade away...

"Dad?" he heard from outside the car. He sat up startled, turning to the front of the house.

Matthew stared at him with a surprised frown, as he approached the vehicle. Deacon unbuckled his seatbelt and opened the door. As he exited the car, Matthew came around.

"Dad? You ok?" he asked concerned

"Yeah, yeah! Just... tired!" he said slowly, extending his am and giving his son a side hug. Matthew held him as the older gentlemen planted a soft kiss on his head. "What are you doing up so early?"

"Sleeping schedule's kinda messed up."

"How was your tournament?" Deacon asked as the young man pulled away

"Oh, we sucked!" he answered with a smirk, "But it was fun!"

"Wow, ok?" Deacon said closing the driver's door and going to the back to retrieve his bags

"Yeah, it was lots of fun. Um...dad?" he asked as he followed his father. He rubbed his hair, then turned to the empty porch. He glanced back and noticed Deacon staring at him. He took a deep breath.

"Something on your mind, Matthew?" Deacon asked concerned, completely frozen

"Just...no, nevermind!" he said and abruptly turned away

"Hey! Hey! C'mere." Deacon called, going around the car to step in front of him

"You're tired, dad. You should get some rest." the young man said before trying to go around him.

Deacon placed one hand up, gesturing for him to stop. The teenager had no other choice. He stared at the ground as he took several steps back.

"Spill it!" Deacon said frowning

"I don't want you to freak out or be disappointed, dad."

"Matthew, what's going on?"

"I've been thinking bout what I want to do, and well... what if college isn't part of my plans, dad?"

"Where is this coming from?"

"Been thinking for some time now...but more this weekend, especially after things kinda turned sour on Saturday." Matthew lamented as he helped his father with the garment bag.