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Toby woke up feeling rested for the first time in days: no dreams of castles, scary old men, or demon jewelry.
He came down for breakfast and said, “Good morning.”
“Morning,” was Mom’s clipped reply. By the ingredients on the counter, she was making chocolate chip cookies today.
Dad and Chase spoke volumes with their silence.
Toby fixed his usual bowl of cereal, and just like every morning, pulled up a video on his phone.
The silence grew thicker, but Toby pretended not to notice.
Mom glanced at the clock. “Keep track of the time.”
Toby finished the bowl in three bites. He ran back upstairs, slipped on his shoes, grabbed his book bag, and trotted out the door.
Hermes flapped overhead as Toby walked toward the bus stop, circled overhead several times, and landed in a tree next to the house. Its gaze turned from Toby to the house. It landed on the sill outside his parent’s bedroom.
Could it sense the Prime?
Stop.
It’s a stupid bird.
Toby stepped on board and knew he forgot something.
He checked his book bag, papers, and lunch money. He was wearing a belt. Wallet. Phone.
Nope, he forgot nothing, and he refused to think of anything else.
Found a seat, and after a moment, he remembered to look toward the back of the bus. The goons were there, but no leader. The gang kept to themselves, and the crowd’s mood was almost cheerful, considering their destination.
He spent the rest of the trip pretending he didn’t miss it.
***
The bell rang for lunch, and things were looking up: he still had lunch money and Raymond was gloriously absent.
Toby got some food and found a seat. He joined some guys from his math class and enjoyed his first normal lunch since coming to this stupid place.
The intercom squawked. “Toby Peoples, please come to the office.”
Now what?
He cleared his trash and weaved through the crowd.
The principal stood outside her office: she was not alone.
Toby stopped and ducked behind a pillar. Why would the cops want him? Were Mom and Dad in custody?
People were staring at him.
Wait.
Don’t be stupid.
These people know nothing. Stop acting guilty.
He took a step toward the office.
But what if...
Looked toward that exit on the other side of the cafeteria.
“Toby Peoples,” said the voice over the intercom. “Please report to the office immediately.”
Had to get away.
Wait.
Don’t draw attention.
He took a deep breath and willed his heart rate slower; he walked around the pillar and calmly went to the principal.
“Toby Peoples?” said the principal.
He nodded.
“This is Officer Singletary.”
“You need to come with me.”
Toby didn’t want to look like a runner. “Am I in trouble?”
“Come with me.”