Troy had been waiting in the police station for half an hour, tapping his fingers against the metal table. He lost count somewhere around five hundred, and just as he was about to start again, the door swung open. Chief Hopper stormed in, his face a mix of frustration and determination.
"You know how long I've been waiting?" Hopper snapped, his glare fixed on Troy.
"Shut up, kid. Tell me what you know about the missing boy." Hopper's voice was sharp, and Troy could feel his pulse quicken. He knew he was in trouble, but he didn't know how to explain what he'd seen.
"Look, kid, you're in serious trouble. You might be facing kidnapping charges... and worse if the boy isn't found alive," Hopper said, eyes narrowing as he studied Troy's reaction.
Troy stared at him, stunned. "Officer, I'm innocent," he protested.
"I'm not joking. An eleven-year-old boy is missing, and right now, you're my first suspect."
"But... how could I-"
"BECAUSE YOU MENTIONED IT LAST NIGHT!" Hopper slammed his fist on the table, his voice booming through the small room. Troy felt a cold sweat creep down his back.
"I... I didn't know a kid was missing," Troy stammered, hitting the table in frustration. "Are we even talking about the same child?"
Hopper's face darkened. "You either talk now, or you'll face charges for possession and robbery," he warned.
"I saw him," Troy insisted, his voice barely a whisper. "A kid with a buzz cut, wearing hospital clothes. He was calling for help. The radio at the gas station broke, and then... I heard things. Monsters. Screaming." His words tumbled out, and he watched Hopper's face twist into an expression of disbelief.
"You really smoked a lot last night, didn't you?" Hopper muttered, shaking his head.
"I'm telling the truth!" Troy's voice wavered as Hopper raised his fist again, frustration etched across his face.
Just then, the door flew open, and Troy's father, Matt, stormed in, with Sara trailing close behind. Matt's face was a mix of anger and panic as he glared at the officers.
"Where's my boy?" Matt demanded.
"Sir, if you could please-"
"WHERE IS HE?" Matt's voice boomed, cutting off the officer. He pushed past, striding into the interrogation room. The tension in the room spiked as he saw Hopper looming over Troy.
"Son of a-" Matt gritted his teeth, fists clenched. "Let my son go."
"He's not leaving," Hopper said, his tone equally firm. "He's connected to a missing child."
"I had nothing to do with it!" Troy cried, his voice desperate.
Hopper's glare didn't waver. "You're lying."
"Troy, don't say another word. We're getting a lawyer," Matt said, keeping his voice low but firm. He turned to Hopper, his tone edged with anger. "We've paid the bail," added the secretary from the doorway, making Hopper sigh.
"Let's go," Matt said, pulling Troy to his feet. Sara wrapped her arms around her son, relief flooding her face as she hugged him tightly. Matt stayed behind, facing Hopper, his voice low but deadly serious.
"My son is not a delinquent, and he's certainly not a murderer. He has nothing to do with that missing child. Now, do your damn job and find him," he spat before turning away to join Sara and Troy.
Hopper's expression remained hard. "You better keep an eye on him. He was caught with weed. I'll take care of the town-you take care of your son."
Matt's jaw tightened as he led his family out. Once in the car, he drove in silence, anger simmering just below the surface.
YOU ARE READING
004 - Stranger Thing
Fiksi PenggemarA young boy is back to his family hometown, he star to know more about his past, is family and star to chase strange creature is haunting the town.
