"Come on, Bailey," Jill had said. "I want them." She had kissed him and whispered breathily, "I want them." And he was putty in her hands.
But the moment that the undercover officer stopped him from leaving the store with the shoplifted sunglasses, Bailey felt sick. He hated himself for stealing, and now he was going to be in big trouble.
The officer led Bailey back to the Security office. "We can solve this one of two ways," the officer began. "You call your folks and have them come down to get you. Or I call the sheriff's department. Your choice."
"My parents are...gone." Bailey stammered. "My brother is my legal guardian."
"Well, get him on the phone then," said the officer testily.
Bailey took the phone and gulped. This conversation would not be easy. He could imagine how pissed Charlie would be. It frightened him and irritated him at the same time. He dialed and Charlie answered on the third ring.
"Hello?"
"Charlie, it's Bailey. I am at Nordstrom's on 9th. I got caught shoplifting and they need you to come down. Iamsosorry."
"What? Shoplifting? What the Hell, Bailey! God! I'll be there in 40 minutes."
"Okay," Bailey said quietly. "Thank you."
"You won't thank me once I get there," Charlie stated flatly and slammed down the phone.
Bailey looked at the phone in surprise as it went dead. "He said he'll be here in 40 minutes." Then he added stupidly, "…He was pissed."
"Yeah, well, it's not the kinda call a parent…or legal guardian…wants to get, kid. What did you expect?" The officer meant the question rhetorically, but Bailey answered anyway.
"I don't know. I didn't think it would be a big deal to him, or anyone, really."
"Are you kidding? You could face six months in jail or a $1,000 fine! Not to mention, having to pay for the item you took. A conviction would be something you would have to report to every college or job you apply to. Boy, I hope that brother of yours is really pissed, because you just about ruined your future. Now, sit down and shut your trap!"