She felt good that she wouldn't have to bother Michael anymore, but she was worried about child services. What if she got put in an abusive foster home? What if her parents didn't want to see her? What if they forgot about her? She couldn't think anything but negative thoughts.
As if he could read her mind, he blurted, "It's all gonna be okay, Cam. Even if it seems bad it will all fall into place." He grinned, as if he was guilty. "Okay," Michael continued, "here's the plan. I know this might be hard for you but please try your best and make it look as real as you can. I'm gonna drop you off in the charger about a block from the police station." Cam nodded, as he continued. "You go in there and ask for help. Say some man was following you. If they ask you where your parents areā¦just say you got lost and couldn't find them. They'll do a search and ask you for your name, and you'll be in child protection services in no time. They're probably going to explain where your parents are, so just act shocked. Please try your best and don't slip up. I know it's a lot to ask but it's for your own good." She seemed overwhelmed, but tried to be confident. Michael sighed, feeling guilty of putting such a big weight on a little kid with no experience, but he knew it was for the better.
He drove up by the police station with Cam sitting shotgun. She was trying to seem calm, but Michael explained that it would make her story more believable if she stayed tense.
"Well, I guess this is it. Bye, Michael." She whispered, feeling sorry to leave him. Even though he was a complete stranger, that's why she liked him so much. Since he would help another person in need, who he didn't even know.
"Bye, Cam. Good luck." He smiled, and she smiled nervously back at him.
The walk from the charger to the police station wasn't a long one, but it sure felt like miles to Cam. She readied herself for whatever was through that door. Relieved, she was only greeted by an old man with a beer belly who was, ironically, eating donuts. "How can I help you young lady?" he asked, powdered sugar spouting from his mouth like a fountain.
"There was a man." She stuttered, "He was following me. I can't find my parents and I don't know if he's waiting outside or if I lost him." She said, trying to sound distressed.
"Which way did he go?" the man suddenly seemed to awaken, as he tapped and racked his pistol.
"I don't know. I'm sorry," she wailed, "I didn't check behind me I just kept running."
He bought it, good. His forehead wrinkled and he rubbed his temples. "Did he try to attack you or anything? Are you sure he was following you?"
Thoughts flooded her head until ah, there it was. "He tried to grab me!" she whimpered.
"Here, come with me. I just need you to answer some questions." He proceeded to lead her to a back room.
Michael drove past, making sure that she got in okay. He would check in later, but he couldn't interfere now. He just had to hope she did well, and move on.
