(Darry)
Work is absolutely the last place that I want to be. Especially after last night. Even though nothing happened, I still feel like I let my brothers, especially Ponyboy, down. I never should have put them in such a vulnerable position, sleeping with the door unlocked with a murderer after him. God, I was such an idiot. Horrible thoughts plague my mind all morning, like maybe I'm not cut out to be their guardian.
I managed to call them at the beginning of my lunch break to check in. Soda assures me that everything is fine and that all the guys except for Dally are hanging at the house. I also make a quick call to Officer McMann to tell him about the truck and to get an update on where we are at with social services. He informs me that Mrs. Smith had to appear in court today for another case but that she would be dropping by tonight to talk to Ponyboy. The thought puts me on edge, I'm so scared that she's going to take him, but Officer McMann assures me he'll be there for this meeting too and that he'll put in his support of Pony staying with me. I can't help the tiny spark of hope that just maybe everything will work out okay.
After my phone calls, I forgo eating my packed lunch to run to over to the second hand clothes store a couple of streets over. Christmas is in three days and while clothes may not be the most exciting, they're practical and both boys could definitely use them.
I need to get something good for Ponyboy too, aside from the clothes but I don't know when I'll have time to go out and shop. Not only is money tight, but I'm needed at home. I have to be there in case those creeps come back for him. Luckily I had gotten Soda a good gift a few weeks ago when I'd seen a real nice swiss army knife in the store and just knew I had to get it for him.
At three, our boss called us down from the roof and told us to gather round for an announcement.
"I can't thank you guys enough for all the hard work you've been putting in this year" he says, passing around envelopes to all of us. "I know the last few weeks have been tough with the weather, but I appreciate all of your hard work and attitudes"
I open the envelope as it's passed to me and peek inside. It's a check, the amount is about what I make in a month. I glance up at the boss, worried he's made some kind of mistake but he just smiles at my bewildered expression.
"Christmas bonuses. Working all over the west side really paid off this year" he says with a grin.
A grin splits my face too. This money will help keep us afloat, give me a little breathing room and now I'll definitely be able to get Ponyboy a real good Christmas present.
Apparently the boss has one more present for us, "And since I'm feeling real generous today, I think we'll call it quitting time. You'll all be paid for the full day"
"It's a Christmas miracle" one of the guys jokes, making all of us chuckle.
"Yeah, yeah. It's back to the usual grind after the new year!" He threatens lightheartedly.
The crew breaks off, gathering our things and cleaning up the site for when we return. Before I leave, I go up to my boss and stick my hand out.
"Thank you, sir. This bonus means a lot" I tell him.
"You're a good kid, Darrel. You're a hard worker, you deserve it. Now get on out of here".
I smile and send a wave over my shoulder. Relieved to be getting back to my brothers and excited about the extra money in my pocket, I blast the radio all the way home.
….
After unlocking the front door with my rarely used house key, I find most of the gang hanging out in the living room. Soda, Steve, and Two Bit are sitting round the coffee table, a game of poker spread out between them. Pony is curled up on the couch behind them with a pencil in his hand and a notebook on his lap.
"Darry!" Soda says, looking at me with surprise, "You're home early. Everything okay?"
"Yep! Boss just let us off early because of the holidays. He was in an extra good mood today" I say, kicking off my boots and hanging up my tool belt. I hurry down the hall to my bedroom, the bag of clothes I got for my brothers behind my back. I toss the bag under my bed for now and change out of my dusty work clothes before rejoining everyone in the living room.
I take a seat next to Pony on the couch, giving his knee a pat as I sit down.
"Whatcha working on?" I ask him, trying to glance at his notebook.
"Just messing around" he says, turning it over so I can't see. I back off, clearly he doesn't want me to see whatever it is he's doing.
"Where's Johnny and Dal?" I ask, scanning for the room for the two missing members of our gang.
"Dallas called a while ago, he said he'd be over sometime this afternoon" Soda says, "Johnny was here earlier but he split, said he had to go home for something"
Me and Soda share a knowing look. Johnny doesn't like to stay at one place for too long, says he doesn't want to overstay his welcome. No matter how many times we try to convince him we want him to stay, he has a hard time believing it.
"Now that you're home, do you mind if me and Steve run out to the store for a bit?" Soda asks me.
I can tell being cooped up all day was hard for Soda, he's got a lot of energy and doesn't like to just sit around.
"Sure. But I need you home before dinner, Officer McMann is going to be stopping by again later". I sigh, deciding I should probably give them a heads up on the social worker too. "Mrs. Smith is going to be coming by too, so could you pick up some groceries while you're out?" I ask, trying to sound casual.
The atmosphere seems to freeze and everyone turns to look at me.
"The social worker is coming?" Pony asks, his voice barely above a whisper.
I reach out and squeeze his shoulder, leaving my hand there, "It'll be okay, Ponyboy. Officer McMann says he's going to do his best to make sure you get to stay here. And Mrs. Smith wants to help you, she isn't like your old social worker"
Soda looks nervous but I can tell he's trying to hide it from Ponyboy, "I'm sure everything will be fine, Pony. We were gonna have to talk to her at some point anyway, might as well get it over with"
Pony doesn't look very reassured but he gives a little nod anyways.
"If you and Steve are going to go, you should probably go now. I'm gonna straighten up a bit here"
Soda nods and gets up, going down the hall to his bedroom. I follow him and grab his arm as he's pulling on his jacket.
"Will you try and find something for Pony for me? I have a list of books I think he'd like but I don't know when I'll have time to get them" I say quietly, handing over the list of books I'd made on the envelope my Christmas bonus had come in.
Soda smiles and takes the list, "Sure thing. I need to find something for him too but we won't be long. What do we need from the grocery store?"
"Just grab some milk, eggs, and bread. I think we're good on everything else" I say, handing over some cash to Soda. He shakes his head, telling me he has his own money.
"Just take it Soda" I push it into his hands and he reluctantly pockets the money.
We head back to the living room where Steve is standing by the door, swinging his keys around his finger as he waits for Soda.
"Let's go, Stevie" Soda says, giving Steve a shove, "See you in a bit, Pony"
Pony gives him a wave and then his hand goes to his mouth as he nervously chews on his fingernails. At this rate the kid isn't gonna have any skin on his hands left.
"Pony" I say gently, "I know you're nervous about the social worker, but it's something we have to do so you can stay here officially, okay?"
He glances at me and then his eyes flick away, but at least he stops chewing on his nails.
I start to straighten up the mess the guys made in the living room, having to step over Two Bit who sprawled himself out on the rug and is engrossed in an episode of Mickey Mouse. Pony hops up and starts to help me and I shoot him a thankful smile.
The two of us clean the house for about an hour. Two Bit keeps saying he'll help after the next episode but Pony and I both see through that lie. The credits start to roll on the episode and Two Bit glances at the clock.
"Well shoot, as much as I'd love to stay and help tidy up, I gotta go pick my ma up from work"
I roll my eyes, "How convenient, Two Bit"
He just shrugs and pulls his jacket on and glances out the window, peering both ways down the street.
I raise a questioning eyebrow at him.
"Just making sure the coast is clear" he says, his eyes serious, "I'll come back after I get my ma. You gonna be okay here, just the two of you?"
"Sure. Dallas should be here soon and Steve and Soda should be back any minute"
"Right on. Be back later, Superman. Later, little Curtis!" he calls down the hall to Pony, who is currently dusting the bedroom.
Pony pops his head out just as Two Bit slams the door, a sad expression on his face.
"You okay?" I ask him.
He nods, but that mournful expression is still painted on his face as he stares at the closed door.
"Pony, what's wrong?" I ask, crossing the room to him.
"I just…" he shifts from foot to foot, "feel a little stir crazy I guess. I've been hiding here all day"
I nod in understanding. If he's anything like Soda, and something tells me he is, it must be real hard on him to be stuck in the house all day, not able to go out.
"I know it's hard being stuck inside all day, bud. But we gotta make sure you're safe until the Moore's are caught" I tell him.
"I know" he says dejectedly.
"How about you and me grill up some burgers for dinner in the backyard? So you can get a little fresh air?" I offer, not really wanting to grill outside in this cold but figuring it'd be good for Pony.
He shoots me a smile, looking like a mini Soda, "Sure" he agrees.
A knock on the door makes both of us jump.
"Wait here" I whisper and Pony nervously slips back into the bedroom. I'd locked the door after Two Bit left so I go to the door and peek through the peephole. I let out a sigh of relief as I recognize Officer McMann standing on the porch, his police car parked out front next to the curb.
"Hi Officer McMann" I say, opening the door and inviting him in. I'm glad we had cleaned up the living room already, the room actually looks presentable.
"Hello Darrel. I'm sorry to drop by unannounced but I have an important update for you." He says, taking his cap off as he stands in the living room.
"Is it about me getting custody of Pony?"
"No, I'm afraid I don't have an update on that yet. But I know Mrs. Smith will still be stopping by later tonight so we can all discuss that then. I have an update on the Moore's"
I nod, encouraging him to continue but he's looking past me down the hallway. I turn and see Ponyboy peeking his head around the doorway. I gesture for him to come join us and he comes right up next to me, practically sticking to my side.
"Hi Ponyboy" Officer McMann says, "I was just about to give your brother an update on the Moore case"
"Okay" Pony says softly.
Officer McMann looks back at me, "I can't give you all of the details because the investigation is still ongoing but an arrest has been made and the suspect has admitted to the abuse and neglect of Ponyboy"
"They're in jail?" Pony asks in a small, hopeful voice.
"So he's safe now?" I ask at the same time.
"Well, we haven't arrested all of the suspects just yet, but this suspect has provided information on the possible location of the others. It's a strong lead, there's officers en route there right now to see if they're there" Officer McMann assures us.
A sense of relief washes over me that one of the Moore's is in jail. One less person after Ponyboy. And it sounded like they were close to closing in on the others.
The officer's radio that's clipped on his belt chirps to life, a code of numbers and letters I can't comprehend comes out of the tiny speaker.
He turns the volume down, "I have to get going, but I wanted to let you know in person about the arrest" He looks at Pony, who's still pressed to my side, "Don't worry, son. We'll get them and they won't be able to hurt you again".
Pony gives the officer a tight lipped smile.
"Thanks again for everything, Officer McMann" I say, shaking his hand and walking him to the door.
"Of course, son. I'm happy to help. Just continue to keep an eye on him until all of the suspects have been apprehended".
"I will" I promise, walking Officer McMann out front.
Officer McMann pauses on the porch. Cocking his head to the side and then turning to the left down the street.
"Is everything okay?" I ask him, stepping out on the porch to join him.
"Just thought I heard something" he says softly, a look of concentration on his face. Now that I'm on the porch, I can hear it too. A faint yelling in the distance mixed with crashing noises.
"Darry?" Pony asks from where he's leaning in the doorway, looking both ways down the street before coming out and sidling up to me on the porch. He can sense the tension and I can tell it's making him nervous.
"It's okay, Pony" I reassure him, "Just sounds like one of the neighbors are fighting again"
A high pitch scream fills the air. It sounds like banshee and makes the hairs on the back of my neck stand up. It makes Ponyboy jump and he grabs on to my arm in his fright. I wrap an arm around his shoulders and pull him tight against my side.
"Jesus" Officer McMann mutters and then he takes off towards the noise.
I don't envy his job. Having to go into danger, not knowing what sort of situation you're walking into.
And then my heart drops as I watch him run down the street, following the yelling that has continued. I know where he's going. He's going to Johnny Cade's house.
"Shit" I mutter under my breath and take a step forward.
"What is it?" Pony asks, still clinging to my side and looking up at me with nervous eyes.
"That's coming from Johnny's"
"Oh" he says. And then some of the nervousness is replaced with a look of determination.
"We gotta go help him"
"Pony, I can't leave you here alone right no-"
"Then I'll go with you! Please, let's go!"
And then it's Pony who's leading me down the porch steps by the arm, pulling me towards the crashing sounds down the street.
"Wait, Ponyboy!" I tell him, jerking on his arm to get him to stop a second, "You stick by me and don't leave my sight, savvy?"
He nods and the two of us hurry after Officer McMann, who's made it to the Cade's front door and is currently pounding on it, yelling at them to open up the door.
The screaming is worse, standing so close to the house. It sounds like two monsters going at it, their profanity laced yells punctuated by loud crashes of objects thrown across the room.
"Johnny" Pony mumbles under his breath, looking desperately at the house.
Officer McMann whirls around and starts to jabber into his police radio. He looks startled to see the two of us.
"What the hell are you doing here?" he asks.
"This is our friend's house. I need to make sure he's okay" I tell him.
"I'm going to have to break the door down, they either can't hear me over their brawl or they're ignoring me. Either way, I gotta get inside. Especially if there's a minor in there."
I nod and pull Ponyboy back a few steps to give the Officer some space.
He takes his big foot and slams it against the door, right under the door knob. The wood buckles but doesn't break. He kicks again and the door splinters in. Officer McMann shoves his way in, yelling to announce his presence.
The loud voice of Mr. Cade echos out of the house as he yells at Officer McMann, followed by another shriek from Mrs. Cade.
I desperately want to go in and help Officer McMann get Johnny out but I can't leave Pony out here by himself. The kid is worked up, shifting from foot to foot, looking like he's ready to bolt into the house too. Knowing him, he probably is. So I put a hand on his shoulder, both for comfort and restraint.
The door creaks open and a figure darts out of the house, heading straight towards us. I feel like I can finally breathe again when I see that it's Johnny, and aside from a new shiner and a bit of blood on his lip, he doesn't seem to be in too bad of shape.
He hurries over to us and I let go of Pony's shoulder as he lunges forward to envelop his friend in a hug. Johnny sends me a surprised look over Pony's head at this display of affection, but then he smiles down at Pony's head, patting his back and assuring him that he's okay.
Pony finally pulls back and shoots Johnny a sheepish grin.
"You okay, Johnny? You ain't hurt too bad are you?" I ask, stepping up and lightly taking his chin in my hand, turning his face to get a better look at his injuries.
"Nah, I'm fine. They were mostly going at each other, I was just trying to stay out of their way"
The cacophony of yelling swirls out of the open door of the Cade house, making Johnny flinch.
Suddenly, another figure staggers out of the house. The drunk form of Mr. Cade bolts down the porch and surveys the front yard, his eyes settling on Johnny, who's back is to the house, unaware that the drunk bastard has made an appearance.
Mr. Cade growls and starts toward Johnny, but before he's even taken his second step, I tackle him to the ground with a hit that would have made my old football coach proud.
I'm sitting on top of him, my fists bunching up his shirt as I push his chest into the ground, "Stay down" I growl.
Sirens scream in the distance, getting closer. Officer McMann comes out the front door, escorting a bloody Mrs. Cade. His eyes go wide at the sight of me sitting on top of the drunk but he hurries over, slapping his handcuff on Mr. Cade just as two police cars come screeching up to the house.
I stand up and brush the dirt off of my hands from the ground and go back to the boys. Johnny is looking worriedly between me and his dad while Pony has gone pale, worrying his bottom lip so hard that I worry he'll make it bleed.
"Darry!" Pony says, darting forward and hugging me around the middle, "You okay?"
"I'm alright, Ponyboy" I reassure him, running a light hand through his hair.
Two of the new cops are currently talking to Mr. and Mrs. Cade while another one of the cops heads inside to survey the damage. Officer McMann makes his way over to us, his cap askew from whatever tussle he was involved in inside the house.
"I'll need to take your statement about what happened here, son" He says kindly to Johnny.
He shoots me a scared glance but I nod encouragingly. I know cops make Johnny nervous but at least I know Officer McMann will go easy on him.
Officer McMann pulls Johnny over to the side with one of the other cops to get his statement. Pony and I take a few steps down the sidewalk to give them space. I want to put some space between Pony and Mr. Cade too. Even though he's cuffed and glaring at the ground, I don't want him so much as looking at Ponyboy.
Speaking of, Pony looks pretty spooked, his eyes are big and he's shaking.
"You okay? I ask him.
He nods and then crosses his arms across his chest. He must be cold, the dummy doesn't even have a sweatshirt on and it's the middle of winter.
"I just don't like hearing shouting like that. Freaks me out a bit"
"Yeah, I ain't a big fan of it either" I say, shrugging out of my jacket and handing it to him. He looks up at me confused, not moving to take the jacket. I nudge him with it, trying to get him to take it.
"But..don't you need it? Ain't you gonna be cold?" he asks, looking concerned.
I can't help but roll my eyes and scoff, "I think you'll turn into a popsicle before I will, kid"
He smiles and takes the jacket, slipping his arms into it. It about swallows him but at least he seems to stop shaking.
Johnny comes back to join us, glancing nervously over his shoulder at his house.
"Man, I gotta get out of here" he mutters. It seems like this has been too much for the kid, who is normally real cool headed when it comes to his folks being assholes. But I think having the police here is really stressing Johnny out and I can tell he needs to split.
"Officer McMann, do you still need Johnny or is he okay to go?" I ask, trying to communicate with just my eyes that the kid was getting overwhelmed. Poor Johnny, I've seen him whipped to hell and not bat an eye, but now his hands are shaking fiercely and his eyes are darting all around, he looks like an animal caught in a cage.
"He can go. But we will need a statement from you as well, Darry"
I'm torn. I can tell Johnny really wants to get out of here, Pony too. But I don't want to let them walk home by themselves to an empty house.
Luckily, I'm saved from my dilemma by the sight of Dallas Winston. I can see him standing on my porch, his elbows leaning against the railing as he tries to see all the commotion happening down here. Dallas has a long history with the cops, so I hope he wisely chooses to keep his distance right now. I worry the cops would arrest him on the spot just for being Dallas Winston if he came over here. As I watch, I see him turn his head toward the house and then go inside. Even from this far away, I knew he slammed the door.
"Okay, you guys head back to the house. I'll only be a few minutes behind you, okay?"
They nod, both of them looking relieved at the chance to get away from this chaos.
I watch the two boys hurry down the street, and as I turn my back on them to face Officer McMann and the other cop, something in my gut twists. Something is wrong.
