Wyvern and Company by Connie Suttle Page B

he egged and
spray-painted my Honda, then slashed all four tires."
    "Why wasn't that reported?" Barton joined the
conversation.
    "Because we weren't sure who we could trust on the police
force," I said bluntly.
    Barton cursed softly. "Son, this isn't an attack against
you, your family or your friend, here. Emotions were running high when we were
sent to question you, but there's proof now that Mack wasn't involved. He's
lucky to be alive, the more I see of the evidence coming from Shaver Lake and
Yosemite."
    "I feel lucky that he's alive, too," I agreed.
    "I hate that you feel you can't trust Fresno PD now,"
Francis said. "If you have any more problems, give me a call." He
handed me a card. "Is your vehicle drivable or do you want me to have it
towed?"
    "I think I can drive it—it's still running and the tires
aren't flat—Randall didn't have much time to do damage before you guys came.
Thanks for that, by the way."
    "It's our job," Barton said. "Randall knows
better. I have no idea why he's blaming either of you for the circumstances in
his life."
    "I don't think he knows who to blame, so we became his
targets by default," I shrugged. Gina blinked up at me, then hugged me
tighter. I didn't mind one bit.
    "I wish the kids at school didn't believe him," she
said. "He said Mack was involved in that mess somehow, or he'd never have
gotten away."
    "That isn't true in any sense," Barton shook his
head. "It's a miracle he was able to get away at all. Those kids don't
have access to the forensics. What we're finding is evidence of animal attacks,
just like he told us when we questioned him in the beginning. We should have
paid closer attention."
    All of us watched as Dad's SUV pulled up and parked nearby.
He, Uncle Lion and Uncle Dragon climbed out and walked in our direction. "Officers?"
Dad said the minute he reached our side.
    "Randall Pierce and four of his friends attacked your
wife's vehicle," Officer Francis said. "They've been arrested. I'm
sorry we didn't arrive in time to keep them from doing so much damage."
    "This is the second of our vehicles they've vandalized,"
Dad pointed out.
    "I understand that. The school sent us the video footage
from the school parking lot after an anonymous tip came in. We have the whole
act of vandalism recorded," Barton said. "Would you like to come to
the station and file a report?"
    "Yes," Dad said. "Do you need anything else
from my son?"
    "No, Mr. Griffin."
    "Justin, take Gina home. I'll catch up with you at the
house. Mack's dad is waiting."
    "Thanks, Dad," I breathed. I'd forgotten all about
Mr. Walters meeting Mack at the house. "After I drop Gina off, we'll go
straight home."
    "Good. Officers," Dad nodded to Francis and Barton.
    * * *
    "It only took thirty seconds for the police to show up. I
still can't figure that out," I said, dropping my backpack on the kitchen
island with a sigh. Mom was waiting, and the first thing she asked was whether
Mack and I were hurt. "We didn't even have time to think about getting out
of the Jeep."
    Mack's dad sat at the island, having a glass of tea and a
sandwich when we got home, so he was content to let Mom ask questions.
    "I heard from a sergeant at the police station. He said
Randall told an acquaintance that he intended to follow you after school and
cause trouble. The boy called the police. I'm grateful they took the call
seriously," Mom said. "Sit down. Are you hungry?"
    Mack and I had a sandwich, while Mack's dad had a second one. "Did
they arrest that Pierce kid?" he finally asked Mack.
    "Yeah. Had to handcuff him—he kicked one of the officers
and fought with the others."
    "Good. Maybe they'll hold him for a while so he can't
cause more trouble."
    "I hope he's not at school tomorrow," I blew out a
breath. "It would be nice not to see him around every corner, and even
better not to have to listen to his crap."
    "Mack, why didn't you tell me this before?" Martin
Walters turned dark eyes on Mack, who wriggled uncomfortably.
    "Honey, I know