Part Six
Det. Pulaski watched from the wings as Kurt Hummel stood before an empty auditorium. Several days and dozens of interviews later, he still didn't know what to make of the young teen. It seemed for every student who hated him, there was another who adored him. The detective snagged a stool and sat, sipping his coffee while he waited. One thing everyone agreed on, Kurt Hummel could sing.
Kurt had escaped to the stage as soon as he could get away. He had overheard some of the other Glee members talking about Sam. About the marks on Sam's back. And he knew. Damn it, he knew but he didn't know what to do about it. Sam didn't want to go to foster care because there was no guarantee he could stay with his sister. Kurt understood. He understood but wished he didn't. Sometimes he felt he couldn't breathe because of everything he was holding in so tightly. But he could sing. He thought of Sam and Sam's dad. Kurt took a deep breath and everything he had been unable to say he poured into that first high, clear note, piercing the silence.
How can people be so heartless?
How can people be so cruel?
Easy to be hard.
Easy to be cold.
Det. Pulaski set his coffee down, awestruck. Damn, the kid was good. He toyed with the paper cup, turning over everything he knew so far about this case. He had read Sam Evans' initial statement but hadn't talked to him personally yet. There were still things in that first interview that bothered him.
How was he supposed to approach this kid? Kurt Hummel didn't have a chip on his shoulder, he had a goddamn log. Det. Pulaski had seen his attitude in Glee rehearsals. He could definitely be—prickly. On the other hand…
How can people have no feelings?
How can they ignore their friends?
Easy to be hard.
Easy to be cold.
Easy to be proud.
Easy to say no.
On the other hand, watching him onstage, unguarded, Det. Pulaski sensed he was seeing a rare moment of vulnerability in the teenager. The detective waited until the song ended then loudly cleared his throat. Kurt sniffled and wiped impatiently at the tears that threatened before he turned.
"Isn't that usually sung by a girl?"
Kurt stiffened as Det. Pulaski walked onto the stage.
"It's usually sung by anyone with the skill and vocal range to pull it off." He lifted his chin slightly. "Do you have a criticism of my performance?"
"Naw, it was pretty good."
Kurt pursed his lips. "Pretty good?" He took a seat at the piano, crossed his legs and folded his hands over his knees.
"I'm Det. Pulaski. I'd like to talk to you."
"You're not allowed to question me without my dad present."
"I didn't say question, I said talk. But I'll be happy to have a squad car run by the shop, pick up your dad and bring him down here. Is that what you want?"
Kurt tugged at his scarf, adjusting it. "No."
Det. Pulaski grabbed the stool and pulled it over to the piano. "You don't seem like a bad kid, Kurt. Maybe you just need some help reinforcing your boundaries. You're young. If this is an issue, you have time to turn it around before it becomes a real problem. Maybe we can get you into some counseling."
"You want me to go to counseling to cure the gay?"
The detective studied Kurt intently for a moment. "Is being gay something you want to cure?"
A sardonic smile played across Kurt's lips. "You don't cure fabulous, detective, you put it on the cover of Vogue."
Det. Pulaski smiled, amused. Good. He wanted Kurt to be comfortable talking to him. Maybe he could finally get the answers he needed to resolve this case.
"So, what's the deal with you and Sam?"
"Nothing."
"I've got a photograph, a couple dozen witnesses and a very pissed off dad that say otherwise."
"What did Sam say?" Det. Pulaski didn't answer. Kurt smirked, satisfied. He knew he could trust Sam not to say anything. "Do you plan on charging me for a crime when there's no victim?"
"I don't need Sam, I have Finn Hudson."
Kurt paled. "I never touched Finn."
Det. Pulaski studied Kurt's reaction with new interest. Apparently he'd hit a nerve with Finn. He pressed the issue, curious to see where this line of questioning would lead.
"You caused mental distress by creating a hostile environment for your own sexual gratification."
"I redecorated a room!"
Det. Pulaski shrugged. "I could lock you up for stalking. He's a minor. That makes it a felony. You're 16. You get waived to adult court and convicted? You're not gonna be roomies with Puckerman in juvie. You're gonna be in prison." He sipped his coffee. "Who takes care of your dad then?"
Kurt felt a wave of panic rise up and threaten to pull him under. If he was charged, he'd need an attorney and he already knew he'd never be able to get enough money together for legal fees. Prison. Even Puck hadn't been to prison. Finn was right. This was going to kill his dad when he found out. And Kurt was pretty sure he wouldn't be able to keep this from him much longer.
Det. Pulaski touched Kurt's arm and softened his tone. "Give me something to work with here, Kurt. Anything."
Kurt's eyes met his and the detective wondered if he'd pushed too hard. Sometimes it was fine line between getting a suspect to confess and pushing him into complete withdrawal.
"I can't." Kurt hesitated, chewing his lip thoughtfully. "It isn't safe." Kurt's phone alarm beeped. He glanced at it quickly, then frowned. Whatever he had been thinking, Kurt quickly resumed a cool, carefully neutral expression as he stood to leave. "It's my dad. He needs to take his medicine." Kurt picked up his messenger bag, noting that Det. Pulaski made no move to stop him. "Am I under arrest?"
The detective handed Kurt a business card. "Not yet. I'll be in touch."
Kurt nodded then hurried out of the auditorium before Det. Pulaski changed his mind.
A/N: "Easy To Be Hard"-from the musical Hair. If you've never heard this, there are clips on youtube of Cheryl Barnes singing it. Beautiful song.