Chapter V
2249
Jeremy
Rescued
"So, where're ya from, kid?" interrogated the officer behind the desk.
"Northwest County." answered Jeremy timidly, keeping his head down.
"Northwest County!" exploded the officer behind the desk. "Yer off the hook, kid." Jeremy's face brightened and he lifted his head. "Ya clearly had no idea where ya were goin'."
"This information presents quite a quandary." announced a new policeman, entering from the other room. Unlike the other officers, he was muscular and tall. Although he had little hair, he looked like a moderately masculine and commanding character.
"Oh, uhh…" stammered the officer, looking to Jeremy for help. He used to be sitting down but was now standing erect and at attention.
"Jeremy." prompted Jeremy, realizing the officer's dilemma, and at the same time realizing he hadn't yet introduced himself.
"Yeah, uh, Jeremy." the officer quickly stuttered. "This is the Chief of Police of West County."
"You mean I ran all the way to West County?"
"Indeed you did." answered the chief.
"Well shouldn't we get 'im back there, sir?" spluttered the officer behind the desk.
"I can't go back." Jeremy grimly cut in. "I have no home anymore."
"I'd like to hear the tale." said the chief.
"It's a pretty long one." said Jeremy.
"Try me." said the chief. "I've got time. Step into my office and tell me the whole story.