JR SWAT 2: Two, Taken

Is this the end?

Kay's place, 10 pm...

"Marv, we gotta do something. You know Rubio is gonna want to run!" Matthew urged.

"Yeah, he gets scared and bounces in a hurry!" Marv agreed.

"Yeah"

Silence.

"I wish Sarge would've answered. At least he'd know how to deal with this." Matthew added.

"Matthew?" Sgt Kay called, standing behind the half opened door that overlooked into the house.

The night was warm and inviting. The house sat still, as the rest of the family members had gone to sleep, some voluntarily, others because of medication. A dim light shone over the teenager, who crouched over his cellphone, which he held on his knee. The patient stuck his head out through the door, wearing a face mask and pajamas.

When Matthew looked up, Deacon could notice the worried face of the teen.

"You ok?" the worried father asked.

"I guess." he responded, lowering his gaze. "You need help cleaning?" he asked dryly.

"No, I came by to check on you and say good night."

"Ok, good night."  he responded, without even looking at his father.

"Matthew, hey!"  Deacon called. He waited until the teen looked up, "Who were you talking to?"

"Marv's on the line." he answered, then glanced down at the cellphone.

"Evening, sarge." Marv's voice was heard from the mobile.

"Good evening to you too. What's going on, if I may?" Deacon asked, stepping out unto the back porch.

"Kaykay, you aight?" Marv asked.

"Yeah." he said somberly.

"You aint. You trynna be strong." Marv said.

"She was my sister's godmother, Marv. She wasn't just a police officer for us."

"She still is, Matthew." Deacon said sternly.

"Dad!" Matthew complained, shaking his head.

"Hey!"  Deacon called. Matthew looked up, "She'll always be Tory's godmother and your aunt. No matter what. Ok?"

"Dad, we don't know what to do with Rubio. Whenever he gets desperate -scared- he bolts!" the teen reported, frustrated.

Deep breath. Deacon took a step and sat on the chair, next to Matthew. "It's a difficult time for him, yes, but-" he paused, "he's not alone. He's got family and friends. You and the others have to be strong for him and by him."

"But-"  Matthew shook his head and sigh in frustration. "We don't know what to do for him, dad!"

"Listen, you two are the leaders of your group. Leadership isn't just about giving orders or delegating, it's also about providing support. In the good times and the not so good ones. The Scriptures say Where there is no guidance, a people falls, but in an abundance of counselors there is safety. As long as you all stick together and help him through it, he wont feel alone. He wont have much of a reason to run."

"How do we make sure he doesn't?" Matthew asked.

"Yeah, it's not like we can tie him up, sarge." Marv added.

"You don't have to, literally. Look" he paused, "you can't make anybody do anything, they have to do it because they feel like it. The best thing you can do, as his friends, is support him and provide him the space he needs... but without stepping away too far. Respect this time of mourn and sadness, but do not leave him stranded."