Chapter 2

* * * *

“Of all the things we have to do as a cop, this is the worst,” Officer Joe Pennetta told his partner, Mike Dolan.

Dolan straightened his holster. “Yeah. I spoke to the neighbors when we stopped at their house after we tried to make the notification. The neighbors said there was no other family. He’s at the Kerrigan’s house around the corner. The one in the house on the right told me in confidence that the poor kid is gay. There are no foster homes that want to take gay kids around here so he’s headed for the group home over in Fulton. He won’t even be able to stay in the same town, never mind the same school.” Dolan sighed. “Maybe his friend’s parents will take him in.”

Pennetta turned on to Clover Street. “Maybe…” He doubted that they would get anyone to take the kid except for the County group home. A social worker waited at the stationhouse for Julio. Their job was to notify the survivor and bring the kid in, that was it. But he hated the looks on the people’s faces when he had to break the news.

Pennetta and Dolan pulled up to Number Twenty-two Clover Street. A kid sat on the step, crying. The officers got out of their vehicle and walked toward the concrete steps that led to the house.

Pennetta, as the senior partner took the lead. “I’m looking for Julio Reyes.”

The kid sniffled. “That’s me.”

Had someone else told him about his folks?

“Why are you crying?” Dolan wasn’t the most sensitive of men.

“My parents said they’d come for me at four. The Kerrigans had to leave. I think my parents are mad at me because I didn’t want to go fishing today.” Julio wiped his nose with a tissue.

“Kid, your parents aren’t coming.”

Pennetta kicked Dolan.

“Why? All I did was ask them not to take me fishing. They couldn’t leave me because of that. I kissed them both good-bye. They didn’t look angry.” Tears poured down Julio’s cheeks.

“Your parents weren’t angry at you.” Pennetta sat down next to him on the step. “There was an accident…”

“Are they okay? When can I see them?”

The kid panicked and now he was about to deliver the killing blow.

“They drowned in Lake Ontario in the wake of a fishing trawler. We sent divers down, but we couldn’t recover the bodies. Do you have anyone you can stay with?” Dolan asked.

Pennetta kicked Dolan again and hissed, “Give the kid a chance to process what we told him.”

“I should have gone with them. They should have made me go,” Julio shouted in rage, almost hysterical. “Then I’d be with them.”

“Calm down, kid. There’s nothing you could have done. They’re gone. You have to deal.” Dolan turned toward the squad car.

Pennetta scowled at Dolan then turned to the boy. “Your name is Julio, right? We have to take you down to the station house. A social worker will be waiting there, and they’ll help you decide what to do next. It won’t be too bad.” They walked to the squad car, Julio trailing behind them.

Dolan muttered, “At least I didn’t lie to him. Fulton is going to be awful for a kid like that.” Julio sobbed behind them.

Pennetta elbowed Dolan. “Give the kid a break. At least let him grieve before he knows what’s in store for him.” He shook his head.

“Can I at least pack a bag?” Julio asked amidst his sobs.

“Yeah, we’ll take you over to your house to get some of your things. Social services will help you deal with the rest of it.”

* * * *

Julio got into the patrol car and never saw the Kerrigans again. By the time they held a service for his mom and dad, Richard was in Chicago with his parents, and he was in a home where the boys referred to him as fresh meat. Had the Kerrigans known where they took him? If so, Richard would have at least called. With both his parents and Richard gone, he had no one. 1

Alexei and Donal’s townhouse

Late tea, family dining room

Friday, first week of April

Julio sat across from Alexei and Donal. They had high tea late, at five, and Donal ate an astounding number of sandwiches and cream cakes. “You’re going to turn into a cream cake,” Julio told him.

Donal giggled and picked up another one. “I can’t wait for tomorrow. I want you to meet Etienne, Alexei’s single friend.”

“Don’t go and try to fix me up. I have places to go, things I want to do. I’m about to attend school and with Alexei’s help, I’m going to open my salon. By the way, Alexei, I’ll pay you back, every dime, because I intend to be a success.”

“I believe you.” The doorbell rang. Alexei frowned. “I wasn’t expecting anyone else today.”

Boris came down to the family dining room. “Mr. Daurensbourg is here to see you.”

“I didn’t expect Etienne until tomorrow. Send him down, Boris.”

Etienne stepped out of the elevator into the family dining room.