It Takes a Division
The official papers were signed making Rusty Beck a ward of the state, Sharon Raydor's official charge. He wouldn't be going outside the county or making another major life change by moving to yet another address.
Unofficially, Rusty felt more settled. He knew where he'd be day after day and who he'd be with. These people had already stepped up for him especially Sharon to make sure he'd have food, clean clothes and his own room. Of course, it also meant more was expected of him in terms of school and personal conduct.
It was what Sharon expected and Rusty wanted to live up to her standards.
First up, he'd be doing some extra schoolwork over summer. He hated the idea of summer school a little less when Sharon said if he got his license he could use the extra car she kept for her kids. He would have some independence and a car.
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Sharon knew the California driving test requirements had changed since the last time she had teenagers. She'd gotten the temporary license study guide. She left it on her desk to make sure she checked out driving instructors and took it home to an eager Rusty.
Det. Julio Sanchez noticed it when he came in with an update on their latest case. He offered the information in his usual concise matter, no extra flourishes. However then in an unusual twist he stood there hemming and hawing. Sharon liked the intense, laser focused detective. She couldn't believe he was channeling Lt. Mike Tao by talking around something on his mind.
There was no time for this. "Detective, what else can I do for you?"
"The driving test, Ma'am. I can help the kid."
"How did you…." Sharon noticed him staring at the DMV guide. "I was going to hire an instructor."
"Save your money, Captain. I have a few days off and I'll work with him."
"I couldn't impose on you."
Julio gave her a small smile, "It's not an imposition when I'm offering. Besides, it's selfish. If the kid has his license we don't have to pick him up or use Patrol to keep tabs on our material witness."
Sharon rose and offered Julio her hand, "Thank you, Detective. I am very grateful and I know Rusty will be thrilled."
Julio felt ten feet tall.
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Rusty wasn't thrilled when Julio insisted he learn to change a tire and jump a battery before hitting the road. However, he liked hanging with the stoic and direct man. There wasn't a lot of idle chitchat but good practical advice and some great war stories from his time on the LAPD.
The teenager liked when Julio took him on a visit to his mother. The Sanchezes enjoyed watching Rusty put away three helpings of tamales and gladly accepting leftovers to share with Sharon.
Julio was just as proud as Sharon when Rusty aced the temporary test, the permanent test and practical driving test. The detective didn't tell her that he took Rusty to an examination station where his cousin worked. It was just a little boost to make sure things went well and the Captain wasn't disappointed.
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