Chapter 14 Liam #2
All the what if scenarios pour through my mind and my heart breaks all over again.
“Liam? Are you there?” Anna asks, sniffling.
“Yeah,” I manage, pinching the bridge of my nose. “Yeah, I’m here. I’ll meet you there.”
I clamber to my feet, willing myself to move. Adrenaline kicks in and my arms pump as I break into a full sprint back to the school.
Two police cars are outside Richmond Private when I arrive, lights still flashing.
Anna’s crouched on the footpath beside the open car door, comforting Finn in the back of the police vehicle.
I release a breath I didn’t realize I’d been holding.
Behind her, I spot an older man in a suit—Principal Taylor, I assume—speaking to officers who are scribbling notes.
When I approach, the older man breaks away and walks toward me, extending his hand. His smile is thin. “Mr. Murphy, I’m Cedric Taylor, the principal. I wish we were meeting under better circumstances.”
“What happened?” I reply curtly, giving his hand a solid shake.
His tone falters. “I’ve reviewed the security footage and saw exactly what happened during morning break, before Finn left the premises.”
My jaw clenches. “And?”
He clears his throat. “Finn was at the water fountain when another student approached him from behind and… held his head down, forcing him to continue drinking until he was choking.”
My eyes blow out wide and he rushes his next words. “I’ve already contacted the other student’s parents. The situation is going to be dealt with.”
What. The. Fuck.
“He waterboarded my son?” I seethe.
“The incident was serious enough that we’ve already suspended the other student, pending a full investigation,” he says cautiously.
Anna’s glassy eyes latch on to mine over Cedric’s shoulder.
“Where’s Finn now?” It’s a demand. I need to see him like I need air.
“He’s still in the police car. He’s reluctant to come out, which is understandable, given what’s happened. I want you to know that the other student—”
“I don’t give a flying fuck about the other student. I want to see my son.”
“O-of course, yes,” he stammers. His face flushes as he takes a step back.
I look toward the car and make out Finn’s small figure in the back seat. I swallow, and it burns going down.
“The other kid. It was Josh, wasn’t it?” I ask, even though I already know the answer.
He raises his hands. “Sir, I cannot name the other student. But I want to emphasize that this behavior is completely unacceptable.”
I nod. “You’d better deal with this appropriately. I do not want that kid around my son again.”
“I understand, sir. This matter will be dealt with,” Cedric says.
“I hope you realize that this goes far beyond bullying. This is assault.” My voice comes out stiff. “My concern is whether you’ll be pressing charges, or do I need to pursue this myself?”
He straightens, tugging the lapels on his jacket. “I can assure you, we’re cooperating with the police on this situation. As for the school . . .” He trails off as one of the police officers approaches.
“Mr. Taylor, Mr. Murphy, I’m DC Williams.” She nods at both of us. “Now that we’ve reviewed the security footage, this is officially a police matter. We’ll need formal statements from both of you regarding the incident. And, given what we’ve seen, we’ll be recommending charges be filed.”
Cedric’s expression falters. “Officer, I’m sure we can handle this internally—”
“Sir, what we observed on that footage constitutes assault. The child was held under water against his will until he was choking. This isn’t a school discipline issue anymore,” DC Williams says.
I catch Anna placing a reassuring hand on Finn’s shoulder. He nods before she steps away, her eyes bouncing between all of us. “What happens now?”
“Another officer will be contacting the student’s parents. The school will be required to cooperate fully with our investigation.” Her tone makes it clear this isn’t optional.
I look toward the police car again, my chest aching. “Thanks, officer. Can I see my son now?”
“Of course, Mr. Murphy,” she says, stepping aside.
I don’t waste another second. My feet carry me toward the nearest patrol car.
Anna approaches, her hand hovering near my arm like she wants to comfort me but doesn’t know if she should.
The second officer approaches and explains where they found Finn. A sick feeling settles in my stomach as he describes finding Finn curled up against the wall of Kew Gardens Station, soaked through from the rain.
The officer opens the passenger door. Finn’s huddled into a ball, knees to chest, his school jumper sopping wet, and his red-rimmed eyes staring at the back of the driver’s seat.
“Finn,” I rasp, dropping to my knees beside the car.
He jerks his head up at my voice and the dam breaks. His face screws up as he launches himself into my arms.
“Da,” he cries against my chest, his shoulders shaking. “I just wanted to go back to Dublin. I didn’t mean to get lost.”
I cradle his head, stroking his wet hair, my own tears falling. “I know, buddy. I know. It’s okay. You’re safe, I’ve got you now.”
“Can we—” He hiccups. “Go home?”
“Yeah, buddy. I’m taking you home,” I say.
After Anna and I have given our statements and handed over our contact details for any follow-up, I shake the officer’s hand.
Cedric stands behind us, his face drawn with worry.
I tell him I’ll complete the school’s documentation tomorrow once my head’s clear.
Right now, I just need to get my boy home.
Finn slips his tiny hand into mine and I give it a tight squeeze. When I glance back, I find Anna standing with her arms wound around herself, her eyes misty and tired. I mouth, thank you.
Her lips lift in the faintest smile, and she nods. Her nostrils flare and her throat catches when she looks at Finn, bringing a hand to cover her mouth before turning back toward the school.
I wish I could give her more right now. I wish I could show her how much I appreciate her help.
She didn’t have to help me search for him.
She could have stayed in her warm, dry classroom and let the police handle it.
Instead, she spent two hours searching through rain-soaked streets, checking alleyways and parks, calling Finn’s name until her own voice was strained.
She didn’t have to do any of it. But she did.
And now, as I watch her disappear through the school doors, something else twists in my chest. I can’t help the feeling that it’s wrong, watching her walk away.
As I watch Anna disappear inside, I hate how much I don’t want her to walk away. It felt good, safe, having her here with us. Like finally, I had someone on my side.
Finn catches me staring after her. When I look at him, his brows are tilted together. He speaks, his voice barely above a whisper. “Is Miss Browne coming with us?”
“No, mate,” I reply.
But I wish she was.