When the war is over

Chapter 7

Connor:

O'Keefe had us each go talk to him alphabetically. Luckily my name was near the end of the list so I had time to think of my story I would tell. Although it would pretty easy to lie.

As my classmates went in and out my story I had straight.

"Connor?" O'Keefe calls, I get up and amble to the hallway. O'Keefe  leads me to the staff room in where they transformed it to investigation room. Files littered the floor, papers carelessly placed.

"Have a seat."O'Keefe gestures to the one in front of a makeshift desk. I sit down.

"So first off, is it alright if I record you?" O'Keefe asks.

"Why?"

"Do you mind?"

"Yes I do."

O'Keefe sighs and pulls out a notebook.

"Ok.Old fashioned way then." He says.

"So do you have a relationship with Clarence. As in friend , family relation.."

I start to turn crimson like I planned. Hoping he would see I was embarrassed to talk.

"Yeah. we recently broke up." I look to the floor finding interest in my shoes.

"Well im sorry to hear." O'Keefe is writing down. I glance and catch him write motives. He catches me watching and says he has to do this with everyone. I nod.

O'Keefe asks me a bunch more questions that have nothing to do with Clarence. So many times I feel like O'Keefe will uncover my past but I cover them with lies upon lies. Finally O'Keefe sighs and says im dismissed.

Instead of going to class I head to the janitors closet-which is always unlocked- and dial for Caleb. He doesn't pick up. Idiot!I always told him keep the phone on but he always did what he wanted. Looks like I need to make a surprise visit .

I don't bother picking my stuff from class. I head to the back exit and slip out. I grab my car and head for the road.

I pull up the driveway and disembark.

I fumble to find my keys and I put it in the lock. I turn the handle open, get in and slam the door. I hear a door close and footsteps upstairs coming down the stairs.

I wait at the stairs as Caleb comes down. I drag him to the kitchen .

"Why didn't you answer my call!"

"I was sleeping ok? And I cant always pick up the phone. In case you don't know I would love to  continue my education."

Caleb had me there. Because he was helping he was missing school. Luckily his parents didn't care what he did. I wish my parents were like that. Clearly we wanted to switch parents.

"Ok I know, I know and I thank you forever. But please just answer my calls and texts. "

Caleb nods but doesn't comment.

"So today an officer O'Keefe came to investigate us about you know. Clarence."

"Oh." Caleb didn't look at me.

"I think I remember this O'Keefe guy though. From our past incidents." I say.

"Does he remember you?" Caleb asks.

"I think he did, but never said anything. So how's Clarence doing."

"She's fine. But don't you think she shouldn't be caged in? I mean she's already kidnapped let her at least be free in the house." Caleb asks.

"No" I say gruffly. I turn to leave.

"Keep up the good work. I'll be back soon. Maybe even tonight." I say to Caleb.

He stares at me then moves to the stairs then disappears upstairs. I close the door behind me but I don't lock it.

Looking at my watch, I see I still have time left at school. I need to make it in time for my detention,  so drive back.

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Back at school I go back to homeroom snatch my things off my desk and head for detention. Today's time was a hour . I grab my usual seat at the back and lift my feet so they're on the chair in front of me. I pull out my cell and plug in my earbuds and doze off.

I'm shaken awake by Zoe. I groan to my self, could they not leave me alone?

"Yes?" I ask.

Zoe's chewing her nails . Obviously nervous.

"Can we talk?"

"Do you know where we are?"I say.

"Yeah school."

I sigh.

"I'm in detention and I have to stay for an hour."

"Don't worry its quick plus don't you break rules, not follow them?" Touché

"Fine. Make it quick."

"Here?"

"No one is here," I point out.

Zoë takes a seat next to me. I scoot away.

"Ok. So the other day or something im in my room doing my nails.." And why do I need to know that?

"And then my phone rings. I look but its a number I don't recognize." This girl doesn't know how to get straight to the point.

"I answer and then im hearing Clarence." Ok , now this was getting interesting.

"Im about to hang up cause you know we're still mad and everything. But then she says don't hang up. Im expecting her to burst and say another one of her 'apologies' but then shes rambling about how I need to come and help her."

My mine is turning over how she could've gotten a phone. She must have escaped. Caleb was certainly going to hear from me tonight.

"Of course im thinking this is a joke, but her voice is pleading then I hang up." Zoe is crying so I offer a tissue.

"So..why'd you tell ME this exactly?" I really was curious.

"Well I don't know I guess I trusted you." Of course you did.

"So now today hearing she WAS kidnapped, I feel terrible. I still have the number so im going to give it to the police." No she was not.

"No! I mean, don't bother. The kidnapper would probably move Clarence somewhere else."

"I never thought of that. Im so dumb. Well here's the problem. Before talking to you I already gave the number." Shiz.

"Oh well lets hope shes ok." I mutter.

"Thanks Connor. Your the best." She leans as if she's giving me a kiss, so I stand up. She looks disappointed.

"Well bye." Zoe finally leaves.

Great how great. Clarence calls someone they give the number to the police, they will  for sure know the place after all the problems happened there.

I look at the clock, thirty minutes to go. Detention can miss me for a while. I slip by the teacher-who's sleeping- and close the door silently behind me.

Time for changes in the plan.