Chapter 8 #2
Todd pulled out his phone, fingers flying over the keys. "Saving it as 'Math Tutor.'" A ghost of a smile touched his lips, handing the card back to her. "She'd never check that - she thinks I'm good at everything."
"Smart thinking." Beth watched as he tucked the phone securely in an inner pocket of his backpack. "We're here every day until eight, and there's always someone overnight watching the animals. You don't have to wait for things to get worse."
"We understand about having plans," Layla added softly. "About needing to escape. But you do not have to do it alone."
Beth nodded. "If you do have to go to the hospital, call me. I'll drop everything and be there for you. I promise."
The clinic's front door swung open as one police officer entered, his face professionally neutral. Outside, his partner was speaking with the woman as Tyr and Tobi flanked her.
"I'm Officer Martinez. Can you tell me what happened here?"
"She just burst in and started calling us animals and freaks," Beth said, her voice tight with anger. "Dragging that poor boy and spewing hate about shifters for no reason." Through the windows, she could see the woman gesturing wildly.
"There was no provocation, no prior interaction. We've never seen her before."
Officer Martinez nodded, making notes. "And you said she was rough with the child?"
"Yes, she was dragging him by the arm." Beth's gaze drifted to Todd, who had retreated to sit in one of the waiting room chairs, shoulders hunched.
The woman's voice suddenly carried through the open door. "They're animals! Dangerous creatures hiding among us! You should be rounding them all up, not protecting them!"
"Ma'am, lower your voice," the second officer warned. "This is your final warning to calm down."
"Or what? You'll arrest me for speaking the truth?" She jabbed a finger toward the clinic. "They're the ones who should be arrested! Locked up before they hurt someone!"
"That's enough." Officer Martinez stepped outside. "Ma'am, if you don't settle down and leave the premises, we will have to take you in for criminal trespass and disturbing the peace."
The woman's face twisted into an ugly sneer. She stormed past the officers, seizing Todd's wrist. "Come on! We're leaving this freak show."
Todd stumbled as she hauled him forward toward the door. His eyes met Beth's for a brief moment, and she saw both fear and determination in his young face.
Beth watched helplessly as the woman marched Todd to her car, her angry muttering still audible in the night air. The vehicle's engine roared to life, and they peeled out of the parking lot, tires squealing against the asphalt.
Officer Martinez returned inside, his expression grim. "Did either of you notice anything concerning about the boy's behavior or demeanor?"
Beth met Layla's eyes, receiving a small nod of encouragement.
"Yes, actually." Beth's hands twisted together. "While his mother was outside with security, Todd told us some... worrying things."
The officer's pen hovered over his notepad. "Go on."
"You saw how she held his arm. He has bruises on his arm from when she dragged him in here." Beth swallowed hard. "But what really concerns me is that he's already prepared for things to get worse. He told us he's expecting her to start hitting him."
Officer Martinez's eyebrows drew together. "He said this explicitly?"
"Yes. He has a whole plan worked out." Beth's voice wavered slightly. "He's got a go-bag hidden away with clothes and important documents. He said he's waiting for the first time she actually hits him so he can go straight to the hospital and have the injuries documented."
Layla stepped forward. "No child should have to plan their own escape like this."
"No, they shouldn't." The officer made several notes. "Did he mention any previous incidents of violence?"
"He said she 'just grabs sometimes' when she's angry." Beth felt angry all over again at the memory. "But he's clearly expecting it to escalate."
"And you've never seen them here before today?"
"No, never." Beth shook her head. "She just burst in without warning, and started going on about shifters. Even though the shifter is Katerina, Dr. Shelton's wife. Dr. Shelton himself isn't a shifter."
The second officer joined them, flipping through his own notebook. "The mother's name is Brenda Whitfield. Address is over in Riverside. You want me to call CPS?"
"Yeah." Officer Martinez nodded. "Better document everything now before something happens to that kid."
Beth drew in a deep breath, her heart still aching for Todd's situation. "That boy is incredibly smart and resourceful. He's already thought everything through and has multiple backup plans in place."
"Still, a child shouldn't have to-" Officer Martinez began.
"No, he shouldn't," Beth agreed. "But the important thing is that he's not planning to be a victim. He made it very clear he won't let things escalate beyond that first incident. He's got a support network ready - his friend's mother at the hospital, and now us."
Layla nodded emphatically. "He knows exactly what he needs to do. Documentation, witnesses, medical records." Her voice carried the weight of someone who understood survival. "He will not stay there once she crosses that line."
"He's got our numbers saved in his phone under 'Math Tutor' so his mother won't suspect anything." Beth's fingers twisted together. "He's thought of everything, even down to hiding his important documents where she can't find them."
"Smart kid," Officer Martinez observed. "Most don't plan ahead like this."
"He'll be okay," Beth said. "He's aware, and clear-headed and practical about the whole situation. The minute she goes too far, he'll get himself to safety."
The police officers left, their squad car's headlights sweeping across the parking lot as they pulled away. Tyr and Tobi strode back into the clinic, their faces grim.
Tobi nodded. "That woman's unstable - the way she was ranting about shifters..." He shook his head. "Pure hate."
"And she doesn't even know what we really are," Tyr added, his gaze flickering to his brother. "Imagine her reaction to vampires."
"What did the kid say?" Tyr's voice was soft but intense as he approached the counter.
"Todd said he thinks shifters are cool, when his mother was outside.
He's nothing like her." Beth's voice shook as she recounted Todd's carefully planned escape strategy.
"He's got everything figured out - documents, witness, medical documentation.
He's just waiting for her to cross that final line. "
"Waiting to be hit?" Tobi's usual playful demeanor had vanished. "That's messed up."
"But smart," Layla interjected. "He knows exactly what he needs to prove abuse."
Beth nodded. "We gave him our numbers. He even saved them under a different name so his mother wouldn't suspect anything if she looks in his phone."
Tyr's jaw tightened. "Want us to swing by their house now and then?"
"Would you?" Beth asked hopefully. "Their address will be on the police report."
"We'll keep an eye on him," Tyr promised, his expression fierce. "Tobi and I can take shifts watching the house, make sure things don't escalate."
"It's past time to lock up," Layla glanced at the clock on the wall. She gathered her purse from beneath the counter, her movements still carrying tension from the earlier confrontation. "I need to get home to Yousuf."
Tobi appeared at her elbow. "I'll escort you to your car and follow you home. Just in case that woman decided to lurk around waiting."
"You think she would?" Layla's eyes widened.
"Better safe than sorry," Tobi told her, and Tyr nodded solemnly in agreement.
"It's not likely," Tyr said. "But best not to take the chance."
"Text me when you get home?" Beth touched Layla's arm gently.
Layla nodded, pulling Beth into a quick hug. "Of course. You do the same."
"Don't worry, I'll make sure she gets there safely," Tobi assured them with a wink, though his usual playful demeanor was tempered by watchfulness as he scanned the parking lot through the windows.
"Goodnight, Beth." Layla squeezed her hand one last time before following Tobi out into the darkness of the quiet hallway.
Layla's car appeared a few minutes later, driving past the clinic toward the road. Above her, a gorgeous white falcon soared, circling above the car.
"Tobi's following her?"
"Just in case that woman is lingering in the area, waiting to follow anyone who leaves. It's not very likely, but it's better to be safe."
Relief washed over Beth as she watched her friend drive away under Tobi's protection. She raked her fingers through her hair, suddenly bone-weary as the adrenaline crash hit.
"I guess I should get on with my rounds, then, and check on the animals."
Tyr fell into step beside her, his tall form casting a shadow in the dim hallway lighting.
"You don't have to stay," Beth told him, feeling guilty at keeping him from patrolling.
"I know." Tyr's voice carried a hint of amusement. "But I will. That woman's hatred ran deep - the kind that often leads to rash actions. I'm not taking chances with your safety."
Beth nodded, focusing on checking water bowls and bedding. Her hands trembled slightly as she changed out a food dish, the evening's events catching up with her.
"Hey." Tyr's cool fingers brushed her arm. "You're safe. We've got your back."
"I know." Beth managed a small smile. "I just keep thinking about Todd. Having to plan his own escape route at that age..."
"He sounds like a bright kid. Resourceful." Tyr leaned against the wall while she worked. "And now he's got backup if he needs it."
Her smile came more naturally. "Yes, he does."