Seek and Go Hide
part 10
It was quiet and Capeside High was nearly deserted. Jack sat at his desk grading the pop quiz he hadn't wanted to give that day. Unfortunately, the first day back from Christmas break had proven too exciting for his students and when they refused to settle down, Jack had threatened a pop quiz. The threat didn't faze them and they continued cutting up, passing notes, and acting like a bunch of hyper teenagers. Jack couldn't let them call his bluff and so, the pop quiz no one wanted, least of Jack, hit them hard.
It was fairly apparent to Jack that no one had done his or her reading over break. The quiz he was currently grading was hilariously wrong.
Q. What type of poem is The Iliad?
A. Action Adventure rated pg-13 for violence and excessive wordiness
Q. Her face launched a thousand ships. Who was she?
A. Condoleeza Rice
Q. What is the cause of the quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles?
A. They were fighting over whose name is the most often misspelled
Jack laughed and flipped the paper over to see whose paper he was grading. Corey Morris, I should have known, smiled Jack to himself. Corey was the class clown as well as the class underachiever. Jack flipped the paper back over and continued marking red x's down the page. Out of the 12 questions, Corey didn't get one right. I better start thinking up some extracurricular work for him to do, thought Jack kindly. He didn't want his students to fail after all but he did want them to pay attention and take school seriously.
"Excuse me, Mr. McPhee. Do you have a minute?" a quiet, unsure voice interrupted Jack's train of thought and startled him.
"What! Miss Perkins, what are you doing here?" Jack tried to keep the surprise out of his voice and failed.
"I'm sorry," Olivia Perkins looked like she was going to faint or be sick to her stomach. Possibly both. "I didn't mean to bug you. I can talk to you later." She turned and disappeared down the dark hallway.
"Olivia! Wait!" Jack stood up and followed her out into the hall. He found her leaning against a locker, fumbling for her asthma inhaler. "Olivia? Are you ok?"
She nodded as she looked up at him and inhaled deeply. "I'm ok. Just stress." She took another blast of medicine from the inhaler and smiled embarrassed. "Really."
"Well, why don't we go back to the classroom and you can tell me what's got you so stressed out? Was it today's quiz? Because you did better than most…"
"It's not that…but I did ok? I didn't exactly read the whole thing…"
"Well, it wasn't your best work, but you did ok," gently Jack steered his student back to the classroom. "So what's up?"
"I…I don't know if I should be talking to you about this…or anyone…" Olivia stammered.
"Have a seat," said Jack gesturing to a chair next to his desk. "Why don't we start with what you're doing at school at," he looked at his watch, "7:17 - the first day back from Christmas vacation?"
"Oh, I had a Scholar's Bowl meeting and then I was helping Mrs. Doughty organize the Spanish language lab. It was a terrible mess." Olivia looked at her hands.
"It's nice of you to help Mrs. Doughty. I'm sure she appreciates it."
"I like Spanish." Olivia chewed on her lower lip and sighed deeply. Whatever was worrying her, Jack knew it had to be pretty serious. Olivia was somewhat shy with her peers but she was never afraid to speak her mind to her teachers. Jack waited, not wanting to push.
"Mr. McPhee, if someone knows something about someone else, someone who is the first someone's friend, and is afraid that that someone might do something stupid should the first someone tell someone else? Even if it means betraying someone who someone likes?" The words came out in a rush and when she was finished, Olivia looked up at Jack with her big, gray, imploring eyes.
"I think you need to tell me who these some ones are and what the something stupid is," insisted Jack. "I promise we'll work it out, ok?"
Olivia sighed again, "Well…it's, well…you know Cliff Granger? He's a friend of mine. He's a good guy but...but…lately…you know what, never mind…"
"Is he hurting you Olivia?" asked Jack as he considered Cliff's sharp temper.
"What? No! I told you, he's my friend!"
"Then what? I know it's hard, but I need you to tell me. For Cliff's sake."
"Well he's…he's been bragging…it's probably just talk but…he's been bragging that he's…got a gun. And that people better leave him alone or..." Olivia's voice trailed off to a whisper, "Or he's gonna use it."
Jack felt his stomach tighten. Cliff was a troublemaker, that was not news; but this was more than disrupting assemblies, mouthing off to teachers, or playing cruel pranks, this was serious.
"Do you think he's planning to bring this gun to school?" asked Jack grimly.
"What? I don't know. I mean…I don't even know if he really has a gun. When I asked him about what I heard, he said not to worry about it, that people have big mouths and that I should stay out of it."
"Ok, then can you tell me who Cliff has the most trouble with? Who he might want to hurt?"
"No! I mean…he wouldn't hurt anybody else I don't think. He might hurt himself though," she looked straight at Jack, her eyes wide and intense, "He's not very happy. Please, help him. I don't know what else to do."
"Ok, Olivia. I hear you. And thank you for telling me. You absolutely did the right thing. Promise me that if you hear anything else, anything at all, you'll come see me. Promise?"
"Yeah, ok." She stood up to go, "He's not gonna get expelled or anything is he?"
"No. We'll take care of it." Looking out the window, Jack asked, "It's late. Do you need a ride home?"
Olivia shook her head, "I've got my bike, it's ok."
"It's pretty dark out there Olivia."
"I've got a headlight, no big. Besides it's only like 12 feet to my house. And this is Capeside."
Olivia headed out the classroom door and Jack called after her, "Be careful anyway."
"Yeah, I will." Olivia turned back one last time and said, "Thanks Mr. McPhee. I knew you would know what to do and wouldn't freak out."
And with that she was gone, leaving Jack to sit and wonder what exactly he was going to do about this.
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Doug sat at his desk trying to get caught up with some of the paperwork that seemed to have multiplied over night. He looked at his watch and wonder where exactly the day had gone.
He heard a ruckus out front and got up to investigate. He found Officer Willis snarling and handcuffing Cliff Granger to an office chair.
"You think you're pretty funny don't you Cliff? Well, we caught you red-handed this time so you might as well wipe that smirk off your face."
"I know I'm funny. I also know I'm smart. You didn't catch me doing a damn thing. Unless jogging is a crime now in the totalitarian, tyrannical oligarchy of Capeside. Let me make my phone call you ass monkey." Cliff sat and stared defiantly at Bill Willis then added, "Sir."
"What's going on here?" interrupted Doug, trying not to laugh at the 'ass monkey sir' remark.
"I'll tell you what's going on Sheriff," hollered Cliff as he stood up and yanked his handcuffed hand against the chair. "What's going on is I'm being harassed by Officer Ass Monkey there for no good reason!"
"You shut your yap!" snapped Officer Willis as he pushed the boy back down into the chair. "The Sheriff doesn't want any of your lip."
"Bill, why don't you head back to my office and you can tell me what's going on here," said Doug diplomatically. "I'll join you in just a minute."
Bill threw up his hands but did as Doug requested. Doug could hear him grumbling as he left.
"Now, Cliff, let's get these cuffs off and you've got 2 minutes to tell me your side of things," Doug unlocked the handcuffs as he spoke.
"I was out jogging and whammo! You're police dog there, jumped me," insisted Cliff.
"You aren't exactly dressed for jogging Cliff," said Doug noting Cliff's attire of blue jeans, cowboy boots and winter coat.
"Well, I didn't plan to be jogging but…" his voice trailed off.
"But?" questioned Doug.
"Well, I left the house because my Mom was driving insane. Man, she never stops harping on me! Seriously, if she keeps it up I'm gonna need to be institutionalized. Anyway, I was just walking but then…well I was walking faster and faster and next thing I know, I'm running. I like running. It helps clear my head. Next thing I know, he's tackling me and screaming in my ear how he's got me now! Then he's in my face about my rights and shoving me in the squad car and laughing at me. I swear. I didn't do anything."
Doug looked at Cliff and just cocked an eyebrow at him. He didn't say anything.
Sighing, Cliff amended, "Well I kinda tripped him coming into the station. But that's all. I didn't slash any tires or whatever it is he thinks I did!"
"Alright, you sit tight here and I'll be back in a minute." Doug headed back to his office but turned back to Cliff and reiterated, "I mean it, just sit there, don't mess with anything, and don't get any smart ideas ok?"
"Sure thing Sheriff. Whatever you say."
Walking back to his office, Doug stretched a little and wished he had eaten earlier when he had had the chance.
Doug opened his office door and Bill Willis jumped up out of the chair he had been sitting in and huffed, "Did he tell you I found this on him?" He waved a substantial pocketknife in front of Doug and continued, "Little punk liar! I know he's behind these tire slashing Sheriff. I know it! And tonight I caught him!"
"Bill, calm down a minute," said Doug firmly. "Start at the beginning. What happened?" Doug sat down behind his desk and settled in for Bill's explanation.
"Well, I was patrolling over on Cedar because there were two tire slashing incidents over there last week and one the week before so I figured whoever it is, well they like the area. And who do I see running across Cedar from 9th? Our friend, Cliff Granger. And he's running like Satan himself is at his heels. So I circled around and got out of the car and intercepted him. I asked him what he was doing and he says 'jogging'! Give me a break! He was running full tilt trying to get away from something. I think that something was crime! He's our tire slasher, I'd bet money on it."
"Maybe, but do we have any actual proof? Because unusual or not, there's no crime in running down the streets of Capeside."
"Are you kidding me?" sputtered Bill, "Did you not see the knife I took from him?"
"Lots of boys carry pocketknives Bill, you know that. Doesn't make them guilty of any crime. Have there been any reports of tires being slashed tonight?" asked Doug.
"Not as yet," answered Bill losing steam.
"Well, if there are any reports, we'll bring Cliff in for questioning. But as of now, we've got nothing to hold him on."
"Sheriff…?"
"Bill, I know you and Cliff have an adversarial relationship that goes way back to that time he and his buddies egged your house…"
Bill interjected, "And my car. And my mailbox. And my boat! And my dogs!"
"But that was over six years ago Bill. He was ten years old. I need you to back off this boy for a while. I know you think he's no good but as long as you keep riding him, he's going to do everything he can to prove you right. So back off and that's an order. If he is the tire slasher, we'll catch him soon enough. Got me?"
"Yeah," answered Bill sullenly. He stood up to go.
"Great, now why don't you head back to your car and finish patrol. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night."
"I heard that," agreed Bill. "I still think he's guilty."
"He may be. Look, I know Cliff's no saint and I'm not saying you're definitely wrong, I'm saying we go by the book. We find the evidence, get the facts right, we uphold the law. We do our jobs."
"Right Sheriff. You're right. I'm sorry I jumped the gun so to speak."
Doug nodded and said; "I'll see you later."
Bill left Doug's office and headed back out front. Doug ran his hand through his hair and considered the situation. From out front he heard:
"Dumb punk!"
"Impotent nazi!"
Sighing, he got up and headed for the front office.
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An hour later and Cliff had been sent home with the understanding that he was to quit goading Office Willis and stay out of his way. Doug assured Cliff that, if he could manage to do these two things, his life would run a lot smoother.
He was finishing up paperwork when he heard the front buzzer. Getting up, Doug wondered who could be stopping by the police station at 8:30pm on a Tuesday night. Folks who needed assistance usually just called, they didn't stop by in person. Surprised, he saw Jack standing on the front stoop. Doug felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He hadn't seen or spoken to Jack since that awkward phone call yesterday morning.
Gritting his teeth and smiling, Doug opened the door the door. "Jack! How's 2007 treating you so far?" he asked in a jovial and, he hoped, non-flustered manner.
"Hey Doug. So far, so good I guess. You got a minute?" replied Jack trying not to notice how great Doug looked in his uniform. He was afraid to make eye contact for fear that his admiring gaze would give him away.
As for Doug, he wasn't doing much better. He couldn't help but appreciate how handsome Jack was all windblown and flushed from the cold. Turning away quickly, he said "Sure, come on back to my office. Want some coffee?"
When they both were settled, Jack with a cup of hot coffee, the two men took a minute and just looked at each other. Finally, Doug broke the silence, "So Jack?"
"Doug?"
"Hey, you came to see me," Doug smiled and forced himself to relax in his chair. Just being in the same room as Jack improved his mood.
"Right. So I did," agreed Jack tearing his eyes from Doug's broad shoulders to his strong, beautiful hands. Stop it Jack! He found himself staring at an award plaque on the wall. "Is that new?"
"No," answered Doug a little confused by Jack's unusual behavior. Why won't he look at me? Is he mad? Is something wrong? Doug forced himself to ignore the insecure thoughts that filled his mind. "So, is this personal or police business?"
"Uhmm, both actually." Jack forced himself to meet Doug's frank gaze and smiled. "First I wanted to thank you for the invitation to brunch yesterday. I wish I could have taken you up on it…"
"It was just pancakes," interrupted Doug. "I'm sorry I was kind of a jerk on the phone. It was just pancakes. No big deal."
"You weren't a jerk," responded Jack kindly. He felt something inside him soften and grow warm. He is so sweet! Jack told himself.
"I just thought it would be fun, I wanted to see you again." Realizing what he just said, he quickly continued, "And Jen of course. How is she? Back in New York?"
"Yep. She left his morning. She's home safe and sound with Grams."
"How is Mrs. Ryan doing?" asked Doug solicitously.
"Pretty good. Or so they tell me. I don't know. I think she's doing well but cancer can be so sneaky. Sometimes I just feel so far away and out of the loop."
Doug chuckled a little and said, "Jen doesn't strike me as the type to keep things from you Jack."
"Not usually. But still…I guess sometimes I just feel there's something going on neither of them is telling me." Jack shook his head as if to dislodge the negative thoughts, "It's probably just guilt. I should visit more. But this is not why I'm here."
"And why are you here?"
Jack decided that direct and to the point was the best way to go. "Did Officer Willis ever find his gun?" he asked.
"What do you know about that?" Doug was taken aback by the question. He'd done his best to keep the missing police gun under wraps.
"Pacey mentioned it a while back. Did you find it?"
"As a matter of fact, yes we did. It was on top of Bill's refrigerator in his garage. Why? What's this about?
"I had a rather disturbing visit from one of my students today. She told me that Cliff Granger has been boasting about having a gun and threatening to use it. She thinks he's going to hurt himself but I'm afraid he might have it in for some other students. Anyway, I remembered Pacey saying that Bill, Officer Willis, was saying Cliff stole his gun. I figured if that was true, then you ought to know. I'll be talking to the school counselor tomorrow about how to proceed but…man I'm glad he doesn't have that gun." Jack sighed with relief.
Doug's face grew stormy, "Jack, this is serious."
"I'm very aware of that fact Doug. Please note my lack of laughter."
"Just because he doesn't have Bill's gun doesn't mean he hasn't gotten a hold of some other gun…"
"Where would a sixteen year old get a gun in Capeside?" asked Jack incredulously.
"There are ways. Listen, will you let me talk to Cliff before you do anything?"
"Sure, if you think it'll help. I don't really know what to do anyway. Tanya Granger's not really known for her parental involvement…"
"True. I think he and I have a good rapport though. I might be able to help him out." Seeing Jack's quizzical look, Doug explained, "He was in here tonight. Bill tackled him over on 9th thinking he was the tire slasher and drug him in."
"You think he did it?"
"I really don't know, but we certainly had no evidence that said he was guilty. After I sent Bill back on patrol, Cliff and I talked for a while. I think it went pretty well."
"Well, you're pretty easy to talk to," said Jack.
"Not many people would say that Jack."
"You might be surprised Doug."
Doug responded skeptically, "Really?"
"Really." Jack was certain.
The two men looked at each other for a long moment. The air was full of the things they couldn't bring themselves to say out loud. Jack finally broke the spell saying, "I should let you get back to work."
"Actually, I'm just about done here. Are you hungry by any chance? I haven't had dinner and was planning on swinging by the Icehouse and grabbing a bite. I'd enjoy the company if you've got the time."
"I've got the time," said Jack nodding. He was very pleased by the invitation.
"Great! Let me just…" Doug shuffled some papers on his desk into three separate piles, jotted down a quick note and finished, "…all done. Let's go."
Jack stood up and said, "Cool. I'm starving. Any idea what the specials are?"
Doug grabbed his coat and put it on. "I think there's a stuffed halibut something or other tonight. And a red pepper and crab ravioli."
"Crab with a 'c' or with a 'k'?" asked Jack as they headed for the front door. Doug flipped off most of the lights as they went.
"Pacey doesn't use krab with a 'k' in anything. Does he? Please tell me his snooty chef sensibilities wouldn't allow it…"
"Whatever lets you sleep at night Doug. But if I were you, I'd stay away from the krab dip from now on."
"Oh…yuck." They stepped outside, "Geez, it's cold enough."
"Ah, January - what are you gonna do?" Jack shrugged good-naturedly and pulled a hat out of his coat pocket and put it on. "But look how clear it is. You can see a million stars. Wow."
Doug looked at Jack. "Wow is right," he quickly snapped his gaze from Jack up into the night sky. Sure enough, a million tiny lights sparkled down on them. Instinctively his eyes searched out the big and little dippers. Next he found Orion, then Gemini and Canis Major.
"What are you looking at?"
"Canis Major," answered Doug glancing over at Jack.
"Where?" asked an interested Jack.
"See Orion?" Jack just nodded and Doug continued, "Follow the line of Orion's belt this way. See that really bright star? That's Sirius, the Dog Star. It marks the nose of Canis Major. And there's his front legs and his back…" Doug stopped pointing and looked at an obviously baffled Jack.
"Yeah. Sorry you lost me…" grinned Jack.
"Come here," without thinking Doug pulled the younger man close in front of him trying to match up their lines of sight. "There's Orion right?"
Jack almost jumped from the effect of being so close to Doug but he nodded and said, "The three stars in a line right?"
"Right. Now look this way," Doug gestured with his left hand and turned Jack slightly with his right. "See that really bright star? Right there?"
"Uhmm, yeah. Got it." The feeling of Doug's arms almost around him was distracting the hell out of Jack. In a good way. Too good a way.
"That's Sirius, which is the nose. And there are the front legs. See it now?" Doug's voice was soft and very near Jack's ear.
"I think so."
"If you're not sure then you probably aren't seeing it."
"No, I see it. I do." Quickly before Doug could pull away, Jack spun around and faced him, "Thanks for showing me…"
With Jack facing him, Doug suddenly became aware of how close together they were standing. His breath caught in his throat and he took a small step back. He was both anxious and disappointed to leave his close proximity to Jack. "No problem."
Jack noticed Doug's withdrawal but he didn't press the issue. "You're shivering," Jack noticed.
"Yeah, well, it's cold out here," rationalized Doug smoothly. "I believe someone once said 'Ah, January - what are you gonna do?'"
"Well then, let's go. The best way to beat the cold is to go somewhere warm."
As the two men resumed their walk to the Icehouse, Doug teased Jack, "That's deep Jack. Mighty deep. Why that's almost fortune cookie deep."
Jack laughed, "It's not meant to be deep, it's meant to be true."
"No more cookie wisdom, it's making me hungry for Happy Dragon and they're probably closed by now!" kidded Doug.
"It is easy to want that which you cannot have," intoned Jack mockingly. "We want what comes hard or comes not at all."
Jack and Doug continued bantering back and forth and the short walk to The Icehouse was soon over.
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Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
Forgetting all I'm lacking
Completely and complete
I'll take your invitation
You take all of me
Now... I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing i know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
There's nothing left to lose
Nothing left to find
There is nothing in the world that can change my mind
There is nothing else
There is nothing else…
Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
Closer where I started
Chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
Just hanging by a moment
Hanging by a moment..
Hanging by a moment...
Hanging by a moment here with you..
Hanging By a Moment
-- By Lifehouse
part 10
It was quiet and Capeside High was nearly deserted. Jack sat at his desk grading the pop quiz he hadn't wanted to give that day. Unfortunately, the first day back from Christmas break had proven too exciting for his students and when they refused to settle down, Jack had threatened a pop quiz. The threat didn't faze them and they continued cutting up, passing notes, and acting like a bunch of hyper teenagers. Jack couldn't let them call his bluff and so, the pop quiz no one wanted, least of Jack, hit them hard.
It was fairly apparent to Jack that no one had done his or her reading over break. The quiz he was currently grading was hilariously wrong.
Q. What type of poem is The Iliad?
A. Action Adventure rated pg-13 for violence and excessive wordiness
Q. Her face launched a thousand ships. Who was she?
A. Condoleeza Rice
Q. What is the cause of the quarrel between Agamemnon and Achilles?
A. They were fighting over whose name is the most often misspelled
Jack laughed and flipped the paper over to see whose paper he was grading. Corey Morris, I should have known, smiled Jack to himself. Corey was the class clown as well as the class underachiever. Jack flipped the paper back over and continued marking red x's down the page. Out of the 12 questions, Corey didn't get one right. I better start thinking up some extracurricular work for him to do, thought Jack kindly. He didn't want his students to fail after all but he did want them to pay attention and take school seriously.
"Excuse me, Mr. McPhee. Do you have a minute?" a quiet, unsure voice interrupted Jack's train of thought and startled him.
"What! Miss Perkins, what are you doing here?" Jack tried to keep the surprise out of his voice and failed.
"I'm sorry," Olivia Perkins looked like she was going to faint or be sick to her stomach. Possibly both. "I didn't mean to bug you. I can talk to you later." She turned and disappeared down the dark hallway.
"Olivia! Wait!" Jack stood up and followed her out into the hall. He found her leaning against a locker, fumbling for her asthma inhaler. "Olivia? Are you ok?"
She nodded as she looked up at him and inhaled deeply. "I'm ok. Just stress." She took another blast of medicine from the inhaler and smiled embarrassed. "Really."
"Well, why don't we go back to the classroom and you can tell me what's got you so stressed out? Was it today's quiz? Because you did better than most…"
"It's not that…but I did ok? I didn't exactly read the whole thing…"
"Well, it wasn't your best work, but you did ok," gently Jack steered his student back to the classroom. "So what's up?"
"I…I don't know if I should be talking to you about this…or anyone…" Olivia stammered.
"Have a seat," said Jack gesturing to a chair next to his desk. "Why don't we start with what you're doing at school at," he looked at his watch, "7:17 - the first day back from Christmas vacation?"
"Oh, I had a Scholar's Bowl meeting and then I was helping Mrs. Doughty organize the Spanish language lab. It was a terrible mess." Olivia looked at her hands.
"It's nice of you to help Mrs. Doughty. I'm sure she appreciates it."
"I like Spanish." Olivia chewed on her lower lip and sighed deeply. Whatever was worrying her, Jack knew it had to be pretty serious. Olivia was somewhat shy with her peers but she was never afraid to speak her mind to her teachers. Jack waited, not wanting to push.
"Mr. McPhee, if someone knows something about someone else, someone who is the first someone's friend, and is afraid that that someone might do something stupid should the first someone tell someone else? Even if it means betraying someone who someone likes?" The words came out in a rush and when she was finished, Olivia looked up at Jack with her big, gray, imploring eyes.
"I think you need to tell me who these some ones are and what the something stupid is," insisted Jack. "I promise we'll work it out, ok?"
Olivia sighed again, "Well…it's, well…you know Cliff Granger? He's a friend of mine. He's a good guy but...but…lately…you know what, never mind…"
"Is he hurting you Olivia?" asked Jack as he considered Cliff's sharp temper.
"What? No! I told you, he's my friend!"
"Then what? I know it's hard, but I need you to tell me. For Cliff's sake."
"Well he's…he's been bragging…it's probably just talk but…he's been bragging that he's…got a gun. And that people better leave him alone or..." Olivia's voice trailed off to a whisper, "Or he's gonna use it."
Jack felt his stomach tighten. Cliff was a troublemaker, that was not news; but this was more than disrupting assemblies, mouthing off to teachers, or playing cruel pranks, this was serious.
"Do you think he's planning to bring this gun to school?" asked Jack grimly.
"What? I don't know. I mean…I don't even know if he really has a gun. When I asked him about what I heard, he said not to worry about it, that people have big mouths and that I should stay out of it."
"Ok, then can you tell me who Cliff has the most trouble with? Who he might want to hurt?"
"No! I mean…he wouldn't hurt anybody else I don't think. He might hurt himself though," she looked straight at Jack, her eyes wide and intense, "He's not very happy. Please, help him. I don't know what else to do."
"Ok, Olivia. I hear you. And thank you for telling me. You absolutely did the right thing. Promise me that if you hear anything else, anything at all, you'll come see me. Promise?"
"Yeah, ok." She stood up to go, "He's not gonna get expelled or anything is he?"
"No. We'll take care of it." Looking out the window, Jack asked, "It's late. Do you need a ride home?"
Olivia shook her head, "I've got my bike, it's ok."
"It's pretty dark out there Olivia."
"I've got a headlight, no big. Besides it's only like 12 feet to my house. And this is Capeside."
Olivia headed out the classroom door and Jack called after her, "Be careful anyway."
"Yeah, I will." Olivia turned back one last time and said, "Thanks Mr. McPhee. I knew you would know what to do and wouldn't freak out."
And with that she was gone, leaving Jack to sit and wonder what exactly he was going to do about this.
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Doug sat at his desk trying to get caught up with some of the paperwork that seemed to have multiplied over night. He looked at his watch and wonder where exactly the day had gone.
He heard a ruckus out front and got up to investigate. He found Officer Willis snarling and handcuffing Cliff Granger to an office chair.
"You think you're pretty funny don't you Cliff? Well, we caught you red-handed this time so you might as well wipe that smirk off your face."
"I know I'm funny. I also know I'm smart. You didn't catch me doing a damn thing. Unless jogging is a crime now in the totalitarian, tyrannical oligarchy of Capeside. Let me make my phone call you ass monkey." Cliff sat and stared defiantly at Bill Willis then added, "Sir."
"What's going on here?" interrupted Doug, trying not to laugh at the 'ass monkey sir' remark.
"I'll tell you what's going on Sheriff," hollered Cliff as he stood up and yanked his handcuffed hand against the chair. "What's going on is I'm being harassed by Officer Ass Monkey there for no good reason!"
"You shut your yap!" snapped Officer Willis as he pushed the boy back down into the chair. "The Sheriff doesn't want any of your lip."
"Bill, why don't you head back to my office and you can tell me what's going on here," said Doug diplomatically. "I'll join you in just a minute."
Bill threw up his hands but did as Doug requested. Doug could hear him grumbling as he left.
"Now, Cliff, let's get these cuffs off and you've got 2 minutes to tell me your side of things," Doug unlocked the handcuffs as he spoke.
"I was out jogging and whammo! You're police dog there, jumped me," insisted Cliff.
"You aren't exactly dressed for jogging Cliff," said Doug noting Cliff's attire of blue jeans, cowboy boots and winter coat.
"Well, I didn't plan to be jogging but…" his voice trailed off.
"But?" questioned Doug.
"Well, I left the house because my Mom was driving insane. Man, she never stops harping on me! Seriously, if she keeps it up I'm gonna need to be institutionalized. Anyway, I was just walking but then…well I was walking faster and faster and next thing I know, I'm running. I like running. It helps clear my head. Next thing I know, he's tackling me and screaming in my ear how he's got me now! Then he's in my face about my rights and shoving me in the squad car and laughing at me. I swear. I didn't do anything."
Doug looked at Cliff and just cocked an eyebrow at him. He didn't say anything.
Sighing, Cliff amended, "Well I kinda tripped him coming into the station. But that's all. I didn't slash any tires or whatever it is he thinks I did!"
"Alright, you sit tight here and I'll be back in a minute." Doug headed back to his office but turned back to Cliff and reiterated, "I mean it, just sit there, don't mess with anything, and don't get any smart ideas ok?"
"Sure thing Sheriff. Whatever you say."
Walking back to his office, Doug stretched a little and wished he had eaten earlier when he had had the chance.
Doug opened his office door and Bill Willis jumped up out of the chair he had been sitting in and huffed, "Did he tell you I found this on him?" He waved a substantial pocketknife in front of Doug and continued, "Little punk liar! I know he's behind these tire slashing Sheriff. I know it! And tonight I caught him!"
"Bill, calm down a minute," said Doug firmly. "Start at the beginning. What happened?" Doug sat down behind his desk and settled in for Bill's explanation.
"Well, I was patrolling over on Cedar because there were two tire slashing incidents over there last week and one the week before so I figured whoever it is, well they like the area. And who do I see running across Cedar from 9th? Our friend, Cliff Granger. And he's running like Satan himself is at his heels. So I circled around and got out of the car and intercepted him. I asked him what he was doing and he says 'jogging'! Give me a break! He was running full tilt trying to get away from something. I think that something was crime! He's our tire slasher, I'd bet money on it."
"Maybe, but do we have any actual proof? Because unusual or not, there's no crime in running down the streets of Capeside."
"Are you kidding me?" sputtered Bill, "Did you not see the knife I took from him?"
"Lots of boys carry pocketknives Bill, you know that. Doesn't make them guilty of any crime. Have there been any reports of tires being slashed tonight?" asked Doug.
"Not as yet," answered Bill losing steam.
"Well, if there are any reports, we'll bring Cliff in for questioning. But as of now, we've got nothing to hold him on."
"Sheriff…?"
"Bill, I know you and Cliff have an adversarial relationship that goes way back to that time he and his buddies egged your house…"
Bill interjected, "And my car. And my mailbox. And my boat! And my dogs!"
"But that was over six years ago Bill. He was ten years old. I need you to back off this boy for a while. I know you think he's no good but as long as you keep riding him, he's going to do everything he can to prove you right. So back off and that's an order. If he is the tire slasher, we'll catch him soon enough. Got me?"
"Yeah," answered Bill sullenly. He stood up to go.
"Great, now why don't you head back to your car and finish patrol. I have a feeling it's going to be a long night."
"I heard that," agreed Bill. "I still think he's guilty."
"He may be. Look, I know Cliff's no saint and I'm not saying you're definitely wrong, I'm saying we go by the book. We find the evidence, get the facts right, we uphold the law. We do our jobs."
"Right Sheriff. You're right. I'm sorry I jumped the gun so to speak."
Doug nodded and said; "I'll see you later."
Bill left Doug's office and headed back out front. Doug ran his hand through his hair and considered the situation. From out front he heard:
"Dumb punk!"
"Impotent nazi!"
Sighing, he got up and headed for the front office.
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An hour later and Cliff had been sent home with the understanding that he was to quit goading Office Willis and stay out of his way. Doug assured Cliff that, if he could manage to do these two things, his life would run a lot smoother.
He was finishing up paperwork when he heard the front buzzer. Getting up, Doug wondered who could be stopping by the police station at 8:30pm on a Tuesday night. Folks who needed assistance usually just called, they didn't stop by in person. Surprised, he saw Jack standing on the front stoop. Doug felt a wave of embarrassment wash over him. He hadn't seen or spoken to Jack since that awkward phone call yesterday morning.
Gritting his teeth and smiling, Doug opened the door the door. "Jack! How's 2007 treating you so far?" he asked in a jovial and, he hoped, non-flustered manner.
"Hey Doug. So far, so good I guess. You got a minute?" replied Jack trying not to notice how great Doug looked in his uniform. He was afraid to make eye contact for fear that his admiring gaze would give him away.
As for Doug, he wasn't doing much better. He couldn't help but appreciate how handsome Jack was all windblown and flushed from the cold. Turning away quickly, he said "Sure, come on back to my office. Want some coffee?"
When they both were settled, Jack with a cup of hot coffee, the two men took a minute and just looked at each other. Finally, Doug broke the silence, "So Jack?"
"Doug?"
"Hey, you came to see me," Doug smiled and forced himself to relax in his chair. Just being in the same room as Jack improved his mood.
"Right. So I did," agreed Jack tearing his eyes from Doug's broad shoulders to his strong, beautiful hands. Stop it Jack! He found himself staring at an award plaque on the wall. "Is that new?"
"No," answered Doug a little confused by Jack's unusual behavior. Why won't he look at me? Is he mad? Is something wrong? Doug forced himself to ignore the insecure thoughts that filled his mind. "So, is this personal or police business?"
"Uhmm, both actually." Jack forced himself to meet Doug's frank gaze and smiled. "First I wanted to thank you for the invitation to brunch yesterday. I wish I could have taken you up on it…"
"It was just pancakes," interrupted Doug. "I'm sorry I was kind of a jerk on the phone. It was just pancakes. No big deal."
"You weren't a jerk," responded Jack kindly. He felt something inside him soften and grow warm. He is so sweet! Jack told himself.
"I just thought it would be fun, I wanted to see you again." Realizing what he just said, he quickly continued, "And Jen of course. How is she? Back in New York?"
"Yep. She left his morning. She's home safe and sound with Grams."
"How is Mrs. Ryan doing?" asked Doug solicitously.
"Pretty good. Or so they tell me. I don't know. I think she's doing well but cancer can be so sneaky. Sometimes I just feel so far away and out of the loop."
Doug chuckled a little and said, "Jen doesn't strike me as the type to keep things from you Jack."
"Not usually. But still…I guess sometimes I just feel there's something going on neither of them is telling me." Jack shook his head as if to dislodge the negative thoughts, "It's probably just guilt. I should visit more. But this is not why I'm here."
"And why are you here?"
Jack decided that direct and to the point was the best way to go. "Did Officer Willis ever find his gun?" he asked.
"What do you know about that?" Doug was taken aback by the question. He'd done his best to keep the missing police gun under wraps.
"Pacey mentioned it a while back. Did you find it?"
"As a matter of fact, yes we did. It was on top of Bill's refrigerator in his garage. Why? What's this about?
"I had a rather disturbing visit from one of my students today. She told me that Cliff Granger has been boasting about having a gun and threatening to use it. She thinks he's going to hurt himself but I'm afraid he might have it in for some other students. Anyway, I remembered Pacey saying that Bill, Officer Willis, was saying Cliff stole his gun. I figured if that was true, then you ought to know. I'll be talking to the school counselor tomorrow about how to proceed but…man I'm glad he doesn't have that gun." Jack sighed with relief.
Doug's face grew stormy, "Jack, this is serious."
"I'm very aware of that fact Doug. Please note my lack of laughter."
"Just because he doesn't have Bill's gun doesn't mean he hasn't gotten a hold of some other gun…"
"Where would a sixteen year old get a gun in Capeside?" asked Jack incredulously.
"There are ways. Listen, will you let me talk to Cliff before you do anything?"
"Sure, if you think it'll help. I don't really know what to do anyway. Tanya Granger's not really known for her parental involvement…"
"True. I think he and I have a good rapport though. I might be able to help him out." Seeing Jack's quizzical look, Doug explained, "He was in here tonight. Bill tackled him over on 9th thinking he was the tire slasher and drug him in."
"You think he did it?"
"I really don't know, but we certainly had no evidence that said he was guilty. After I sent Bill back on patrol, Cliff and I talked for a while. I think it went pretty well."
"Well, you're pretty easy to talk to," said Jack.
"Not many people would say that Jack."
"You might be surprised Doug."
Doug responded skeptically, "Really?"
"Really." Jack was certain.
The two men looked at each other for a long moment. The air was full of the things they couldn't bring themselves to say out loud. Jack finally broke the spell saying, "I should let you get back to work."
"Actually, I'm just about done here. Are you hungry by any chance? I haven't had dinner and was planning on swinging by the Icehouse and grabbing a bite. I'd enjoy the company if you've got the time."
"I've got the time," said Jack nodding. He was very pleased by the invitation.
"Great! Let me just…" Doug shuffled some papers on his desk into three separate piles, jotted down a quick note and finished, "…all done. Let's go."
Jack stood up and said, "Cool. I'm starving. Any idea what the specials are?"
Doug grabbed his coat and put it on. "I think there's a stuffed halibut something or other tonight. And a red pepper and crab ravioli."
"Crab with a 'c' or with a 'k'?" asked Jack as they headed for the front door. Doug flipped off most of the lights as they went.
"Pacey doesn't use krab with a 'k' in anything. Does he? Please tell me his snooty chef sensibilities wouldn't allow it…"
"Whatever lets you sleep at night Doug. But if I were you, I'd stay away from the krab dip from now on."
"Oh…yuck." They stepped outside, "Geez, it's cold enough."
"Ah, January - what are you gonna do?" Jack shrugged good-naturedly and pulled a hat out of his coat pocket and put it on. "But look how clear it is. You can see a million stars. Wow."
Doug looked at Jack. "Wow is right," he quickly snapped his gaze from Jack up into the night sky. Sure enough, a million tiny lights sparkled down on them. Instinctively his eyes searched out the big and little dippers. Next he found Orion, then Gemini and Canis Major.
"What are you looking at?"
"Canis Major," answered Doug glancing over at Jack.
"Where?" asked an interested Jack.
"See Orion?" Jack just nodded and Doug continued, "Follow the line of Orion's belt this way. See that really bright star? That's Sirius, the Dog Star. It marks the nose of Canis Major. And there's his front legs and his back…" Doug stopped pointing and looked at an obviously baffled Jack.
"Yeah. Sorry you lost me…" grinned Jack.
"Come here," without thinking Doug pulled the younger man close in front of him trying to match up their lines of sight. "There's Orion right?"
Jack almost jumped from the effect of being so close to Doug but he nodded and said, "The three stars in a line right?"
"Right. Now look this way," Doug gestured with his left hand and turned Jack slightly with his right. "See that really bright star? Right there?"
"Uhmm, yeah. Got it." The feeling of Doug's arms almost around him was distracting the hell out of Jack. In a good way. Too good a way.
"That's Sirius, which is the nose. And there are the front legs. See it now?" Doug's voice was soft and very near Jack's ear.
"I think so."
"If you're not sure then you probably aren't seeing it."
"No, I see it. I do." Quickly before Doug could pull away, Jack spun around and faced him, "Thanks for showing me…"
With Jack facing him, Doug suddenly became aware of how close together they were standing. His breath caught in his throat and he took a small step back. He was both anxious and disappointed to leave his close proximity to Jack. "No problem."
Jack noticed Doug's withdrawal but he didn't press the issue. "You're shivering," Jack noticed.
"Yeah, well, it's cold out here," rationalized Doug smoothly. "I believe someone once said 'Ah, January - what are you gonna do?'"
"Well then, let's go. The best way to beat the cold is to go somewhere warm."
As the two men resumed their walk to the Icehouse, Doug teased Jack, "That's deep Jack. Mighty deep. Why that's almost fortune cookie deep."
Jack laughed, "It's not meant to be deep, it's meant to be true."
"No more cookie wisdom, it's making me hungry for Happy Dragon and they're probably closed by now!" kidded Doug.
"It is easy to want that which you cannot have," intoned Jack mockingly. "We want what comes hard or comes not at all."
Jack and Doug continued bantering back and forth and the short walk to The Icehouse was soon over.
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Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
I'm closer to where I started
Chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
Forgetting all I'm lacking
Completely and complete
I'll take your invitation
You take all of me
Now... I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing i know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
There's nothing left to lose
Nothing left to find
There is nothing in the world that can change my mind
There is nothing else
There is nothing else…
Desperate for changing
Starving for truth
Closer where I started
Chasing after you
I'm falling even more in love with you
Letting go of all I've held onto
I'm standing here until you make me move
I'm hanging by a moment here with you
I'm living for the only thing I know
I'm running and not quite sure where to go
I don't know what I'm diving into
Just hanging by a moment here with you
Just hanging by a moment
Hanging by a moment..
Hanging by a moment...
Hanging by a moment here with you..
Hanging By a Moment
-- By Lifehouse
end part 10.