Blood Bath

Chapter 26

After talking to Mr. Zeller, the school principal, Colton's mother called her husband, Adam. She told him what Mr. Zeller said and asked if he wanted to come home before Colton arrived.

Adam replied, "No. I trust Colton. Tell him we'll talk when I get home."

Cyndi walked around the kitchen thinking about what she would say to her son. In the past few months Colton has found himself in several dangerous situations. But this is the first time his adventures have threatened his education, and she worried.

Colton stopped in front of the white two-story farmhouse. He loved his home and family and would do anything to not have to face his parents today. Having their respect is one of Colton's most valued assets. Now he's let them down. Even though he didn't cause the altercation at school, he's facing the consequences.

After building up his courage, he turned into the driveway and parked in front of the garage. He thought, I could just go into the office and work. He turned the Jeep engine off and sat staring at the garage door. I have to face them.

He took a deep breath and his cellphone rang. The call was from Lacie. "Hi, you got my message?" he asked.

Colton could tell Lacie had been crying, and she wanted to know everything. He was more eager to talk to her than his parents. When she asked what his parents said about the suspension, he realized that he was avoiding them. "No, I haven't had time to talk to them."

Lacie understood how he felt and said, "You need courage, don't you. Are you afraid what they will think or say? Colton, they love you and you know they will believe you."

"I feel like I've let them down. I hate that feeling."

"Go into the house and face them. Call me later and we can talk." She ended the call.

Colton grabbed his backpack and gym bag. As he walked toward the house, the back door opened. His mom was standing in the doorway, smiling. She walked down the steps and said, "I know why you're home early. Your dad and I still love you." She opened her arms for a hug.

"Mom, I'm so sorry," Colton said as he dropped his bags and reached his arms out to accept the hug.

"Come on, you will make me cry. Let's go inside," she said. "You can tell me all about it. I told your dad, and he's not upset, but he wants to talk after he gets home."

Colton spent the evening going over the events leading to his suspension from school. His dad questioned how Colton could prove his innocence.

Adam asked, "Doesn't the school have security cameras covering the doors and hallways?"

Colton wasn't sure. "I can find out Monday. I am meeting Mr. Doyle tomorrow. He'll have some suggestions."

"You trust Doyle, don't you?" Colton's dad inquired.

"Yes. I've talked with him several times and he's great. He reminds me a lot of you, only older and with a background in law. I think I told you he's a retired Detroit Police Detective, didn't I?"

"Yes. I also know he's a chef, business owner, and drives a brand new Lexus. But those things don't make a man good," Adam warned.

"I know that. I think I mentioned Mrs. Hoffstarter told me he's a wonderful man."

"Well he's a wonderful man then." Adam laughed and got up from the table for a coffee refill.

"So, son, what are your plans for the next two weeks?"

"I have to figure out how I can convince Mr. Zeller it was Luke who started the fight," Colton said. He wasn't sure he should mention Jenny's death, but said, "I'm sure you don't want to hear I'm still trying to find Jenny's killer."