After several hours on the road, they finally rolled back into Los Angeles and pulled into a gas station. A police cruiser was parked at one of the pumps.

"Carlos, isn't that your dad's patrol car? The number on it is 365, right? And the license plate is 1344953, isn't it?" James inquired.

Carlos squinted at the vehicle and spotted his father stepping out. "Yes! That's my Papi!" He leaped out of Ms. Knight's car and dashed toward him. "Hola Papi!"

"Hey there, mijo! What a wonderful surprise to see my favorite kid!" Officer Garcia exclaimed, enveloping him in a warm hug. "Did you and your friends have an adventurous day?"

"Well, some parts were thrilling, but it didn't start that way," Carlos replied hesitantly.

"Oh really? What happened?" Officer Garcia probed.

"Uh, well… it's a bit complicated to explain because I think you might get really upset with me, and I never want to let you down," Carlos admitted, his voice tinged with sadness.

"Carlos, you're starting to really concern me. I need to know what went on today," Officer Garcia insisted.

Carlos begins to breathe rapidly, his chest rising and falling in a frantic rhythm.

"Carlos, are you alright? What's got you so worked up?" Officer Garcia asks, his brow furrowed with concern.

Despite the officer's words, Carlos remains in a state of distress. Logan quickly approaches, trying to soothe him. "Hey, Carlos, you're safe. What's going on?" he speaks softly, his tone reassuring.

"Did something really bad happen to him today? I'm at a loss here," Officer Garcia remarks, glancing between the two.

"I wouldn't say it was bad, but it was definitely a lot to handle," Logan replies, trying to find the right words.

"Alright, I think I have a plan. When people come into the station like this after experiencing something unsettling, the best way to help them is with some water, a snack, and a calm voice. Just give me a moment." Officer Garcia says, heading into the nearby gas station. He soon returns with a bottle of water and a small bag of Cool Ranch Doritos, offering them to Carlos. "Here you go, mijo."

"Gracias, Papi," Carlos gratefully accepts the snack and water.

"You know I'll always have your back. Now, spill the beans, son," Officer Garcia's eyes bore into Carlos.

"Trust me, it's a tale best told at the Palm Woods," Carlos hints mysteriously.

With the Palm Woods in sight, Carlos braces himself and turns to his father. "Prepare yourself, Papi, what I'm about to say will make your blood boil and veins pop. Maybe even induce heart palations," Carlos teases.

"It's palpitations, Carlos," Logan corrects with a smirk.

"Yeah, that's what I said, Logan," Carlos repeats.

"Alright then...I'm still lost," Officer Garcia admits, thoroughly confused.

"The events unfolded this morning when Mr. Mark extended an invitation to all of us to accompany him, Lucas, and Audrey to San Francisco. Lucas, without obtaining Logan's consent, interacted with BuddyBot and reacted with anger when we reprimanded him for his actions. Upon our arrival in San Francisco, we encountered our friends Andy and Steven, along with their sister Hannah and their father, who decided to join us. We proceeded to a remarkable park, where the complications began. Kendall, James, Logan, and I intended to explore the park, but our plans were derailed when I mentioned my intention to use the camera you gifted me. Lucas requested to see it, and I declined. His reaction was one of anger, prompting him to report me to Mr. Mark, who attempted to coerce me into sharing my camera and labeled me as immature for my refusal. Despite my persistent refusal, I eventually walked away. At that moment, Lucas lunged at me with the ferocity of a wild animal in a wrestling match, tackling me to the ground while demanding my camera and striking my face with his fists. I remained resolute against his unreasonable demands. Kendall, James, and Logan intervened to separate us, but Lucas still managed to seize my camera, which subsequently fell from his grasp onto the road, resulting in some damage. I felt utterly devastated, as you had purchased it for me at a considerable expense, and I allowed it to come close to being ruined. I am truly sorry, Papi! I feel like the worst son imaginable," Carlos expresses, his gaze cast downward in shame.

"Carlos, I am not angry with you. I take pride in your actions," Officer Garcia responds.

"I don't comprehend," Carlos replies.

Officer Garcia expressed his frustration, saying, "Lucas was attempting to pressure you into handing over your camera, but you stood firm and repeatedly refused. That's the right way to confront a bully. I'm really upset with Mr. Mark, who not only failed to intervene and stop Lucas from being cruel to you but also had the audacity to criticize you for not wanting to share your camera. He made you feel ashamed for it, and that's completely unacceptable to me."

Carlos replied, "I understand, Papi, but we managed to get the camera repaired, and both Mr. Mark and Lucas covered the costs."

"That's great to hear," Officer Garcia responded.

"Officer Garcia, I've made up my mind to ensure Lucas faces the consequences of his actions today. I promise you, he will understand the gravity of his mistakes," Mr. Mark declares.

"I have a more effective plan. Why not bring him to the police station tomorrow? I'd like to have a word with him and enroll him in a program designed for teens with challenging attitudes. I know just the approach to turn him into a responsible citizen," Officer Garcia suggests.

"I really don't like where this is heading," Lucas interjects, anxiety creeping into his voice.

"Silence, Lucas. You have no say in this matter. Officer Garcia, that sounds like a brilliant plan," Mr. Mark responds enthusiastically.

"Perfect. Make sure you arrive at the station at 7:00 sharp, not a second later," Officer Garcia instructs.

"In the evening, right?" Lucas asks, a hint of hope in his tone.

"No, in the morning," Officer Garcia clarifies.

"Oh no! This can't be happening! Dad, he must be joking! You know teenagers aren't wired to function that early!" Lucas exclaims.

Kendall rolls his eyes at Lucas's over-the-top reaction. "We may not enjoy it, but we have to do it. Stop whining. You brought this upon yourself," he says, clearly irritated.

"What's your dad planning to do to me?" Lucas asks Carlos, his voice trembling with anxiety.

Carlos shrugs casually. "How would I know?" he replies. "I can't read his thoughts."

"But he's your dad! You know him better than anyone! Can you give me any tips on how to handle him?" Lucas pleads.

Carlos shakes his head. "Nope, I'm not obligated to help you. You brought this on yourself. If you had just respected my choice to say no to you touching my camera earlier and hadn't attacked me, nearly breaking it in the process, you wouldn't be in this mess. But I guess I can offer one piece of advice: don't provoke my Papi any further. When you show up at the police station tomorrow, treat him and his colleagues with nothing but respect. Do you think someone as rude and flawed as you can manage that?" Carlos challenges.

"Yeah, I can do that," Lucas replies, trying to sound confident.

"Hmph! That's for my Papi to decide. With how tough he is as a cop, you won't last a day with him. He'll tear your ego to shreds. You're just bait for the wolves," Carlos warns.

"Bait for the wolves? What does that even mean?" Lucas asks, bewildered.

Carlos shrugs again. "I have no idea. I heard it in a movie and thought it sounded cool."