Hopelessly Broken Read Free Page B

flanked on either side by a bigger boy. “Because if I catch you, you’re gonna regret it. And don’t think I believe you don’t hear me. I know you do.”
    Bullies.
    Wishing he could do something to stop the taunting, but knowing taking action could make things worse, Aeron watched Logan shuffle by. He had hoped to stop Logan, ask him to help hand out a few fliers. So much for that plan. He was going to have to come up with another idea.
    “Look at the little rat, running home. Run, little rat. Run.” The punk jogged up to Logan, gave him a shove.
    Logan stumbled but didn’t fall.
    Aeron followed. His fingers curled into fists. He wanted to tell Logan to face the little bastard, give him a well-deserved right hook in the face, but he knew Logan wouldn’t do it. He couldn’t.
    And ultimately, his reluctance to stand up for himself would cost him his life.
    That was the most frustrating part of his job. Aeron kne w exactly what would happen. Most of the time the disaster seemed avoidable. But there was no way he could intervene to stop it. The minute he tried he would be yanked off the case, and the soul would be left to fend for itself.
    He knew this for a fact. It had happened with his first case.
    He had never made that mistake again.
    Following Logan and his tormentors at a safe distance, Aeron watched as the boy was pushed, threatened, and humiliated until he finally turned the corner onto his street. The bullies turned one way, Logan the other. Aeron let Logan know he was following when he was almost home.
    “My sister said I shouldn’t talk to you,” Logan mumbled when Aeron caught up to him. He dragged his hand across his tear-dampened face.
    “I understand.” Aeron stopped walking.
    Logan hesitated. “Did you find your dog?”
    “Not yet.” He lifted the fliers. “I’m handing these out in the neighborhood.”
    Logan nervously glanced at his house. “If I’m late, I’ll get in trouble.”
    “Then don’t be late.”
    “I wish I could help. I like dogs. My sister won’t let me get one, though. She’s scared of them. Especially little dogs, like yours.”
    “ Cojack’s a pretty nice little dog. Maybe someday she’ll realize they aren’t all bad.” An idea popped into his head. A crazy idea.
    “Maybe. But I doubt it.” Logan looked sad as he threw Aeron a wave. “See you tomorrow?”
    “If you want to.”
    Logan took one step, another. Then he stopped, turned around. “Thanks. For not doing anything about Josh.”
    “You’re welcome.”
    * * * * *
    Something was whimpering. Outside.
    Sporting snow boots—no socks--sweatpants, a t-shirt, and a ponytail, Jenn cautiously stepped out to take a look.
    It was dark. Quiet.
    The voice was high-pitched. Small.
    Dog.
    Little.
    Just my luck.
    She followed the sound, her boots skidding on ice patches that had frozen on the sagging boards of their neglected wooden deck. She stopped at the end, listened.
    “Jenny, what’re you doing out there?” Logan called from inside.
    She shushed him with a hand. “Something’s whimpering out here.”
    “Maybe it’s Aeron’s dog.” He scurried out to her. “Where?”
    She stepped down onto the snow-covered lawn, crouching in front of the raised deck. “I think it’s under there.”
    “Let me see!” Logan jumped forward, hands on the wood lattice nailed around the perimeter. ”Cojack!” he called. “Come here, boy.”
    “Stop that . If it’s hurt it could bite. Let’s go back inside. It’s cold out here, and you’re in your pajamas. I’ll call animal control in the morning.”
    “ No! We can’t do that. We can’t leave Cojack out here alone and scared all night. He’ll freeze to death. Aeron said he’s a nice dog. He won’t bite.” The wavering of Logan’s voice touched her heart. He was genuinely upset about the little dog. There was no way he was going to let her walk away and leave it now.
    Squinting in the dark, Jenn crouched lower, trying to see through the thick sh adows