Fiona slammed the phone down, grabbed for her purse, and then frantically looked for her keys. "The boys have been arrested. Tony just called. They were in a stolen car."
"What?" cried Veronica. "That doesn't make any sense."
"I know. Can you stay with the kids, V?"
"Of course. Just call if you need anything."
Fiona rushed out the door and down the street. She walked the four-and-half blocks to the police station. Tony met her in the entrance.
"Tony, did you see them? Are they ok? What's going on? When can I see them?"
The tall, blond police officer walked over to Fiona and said calmly, "They're still in back. It'll be a while before you can see them. If Lip's not charged as an adult—"
"Charged as an adult?" Fiona interrupted.
"He is 17. He could be charged with grand theft auto. But, if not, you can see them both in court tomorrow."
"None of this makes sense! There's no way Lip would steal a car. He's too smart. And Ian can't even drive yet."
"If they didn't steal it—" began Tony.
"They didn't steal it!"
"Well, if they didn't, they are going to have to tell the detectives who did and agree to testify. If they don't give up a name, Lip could do five years." Tony gave Fiona a knowing look and continued down the hall.
"You know, if I am convicted, I can't enlist in the Marines," Ian stated quietly.
His older brother assessed him for a moment and then said, "Good. I was planning on bashing your knee in your sleep. This'll save me the trouble."
"Phillip Gallagher." a smoky-voiced detective said, walking over. "You related to Frank, our favorite overnight guest?"
"Yes, to both. Son."
"Well... First felony charge. Late start," the Detective said amiably. Lip nodded.
"And Ian. Are you Frank's too?"
"Yep," interjected Lip.
"You always let your brother speak for you, Ian?" asked the detective.
"He's mute," Lip smirked.
"I can talk," the fifteen-year-old declared.
"So, you two geniuses stole a Porsche Cayenne and decided to take a joyride?" The boys sat silently.
"Ian?" the detective tried again. "Who stole the car? Come on, now, Ian. You do not want to do time. Not with a face like that."
Lip watched his brother squirm at the implication and said, "I stole the car. Ian didn't know anything about it."