Dirty Visual

“It’s nice to meet you Mr. Baker. I am Pamela Banks the home school teacher.”

“You too.” Zack and Jared sat down in the chairs in front of the woman’s desk after shaking hands.

“I hear that you would like to join home school Jared?” The boy just nodded. “I have been informed of your situation Mr. Baker. I am fully willing to meet with you at five pm every Tuesday afternoon.” The grey, curly haired woman gave a big cheerful smile.

“Thank you. With everything going on as of recently I think it would be best to home school him. He seems happier when he’s at home.” Zack looked over at the little boy who was once again not looking at anyone.

“I understand.” She nodded to him. “It’s a hard thing to deal with.”

“You’re telling me.” Zack chuckled.

“Okay let’s kick this meeting off. I need those papers you signed.” Zack had been holding them since they arrived. Her eyes scanned the papers and turned the pages. “Everything is filled out correctly. I need you to read this paper and have both you and Jared sign it. It’s only a contract that states what work he will be doing and that he will complete this work so he can stay on home school.”

Zack read over the paper and explained it to Jared. “Do you agree buddy?” Nod.

Zack ruffled the boys hair and signed the papers. He passed the pen to Jared who signed his name right under Zack’s. The teacher was next to sign. “That’s it. All I need to do now is give you an assignment sheet and send you home with the books.”

Jared was given a second grade math book that teaches place value, mental math, calculating with money values, addition and subtraction, geometry and graphs. A science book that focuses on science facts and concepts about the life cycle was also handed to the little boy. Jared was given a spelling book, a workbook for cursive writing and another one for reading. The teacher handed him a book called ‘Fox and His Friends’ to go along with the first section of his reading work booklet.

Pamela filled out a sheet of what Jared was to do for the week: One lesson in both math and science. One section in each of his spelling and cursive books, and finally he had to read two chapters in his book and answer the questions in his reading work book for each chapter.

Once they collected his work and were done with the meeting Zack found the principal waiting for them. “Are you following me Mr. Emery?” Zack joked shaking the older mans hand.

“I can actually honestly say yes to that question, just this once though.” Both men laughed causally. “Actually I spoke to Lewis Davis our school counselor. He is willing to make a house visit twice a week if you are still interested.”

“I am. Do I have to meet with him?” Zack shoved his hands in his pocket.

“No actually. Are Tuesdays and Thursdays at two pm okay with you?” Talon asked leading the boys out of the office to their car.

“Is he okay meeting Jared with my friend’s mom there instead of me?” Zack wondered.

“Yes, Lewis will host his appointments outside with Jared in full view but he will request privacy. He knows kids are more comfortable when they can talk without being overheard by family or the people closest to them.” Talon led them out to their truck.

“That’s fine with me.” Zack unlocked the truck and opened the front door. A flood of red paint flowed out of the door onto his shoes and pants, covering Jared who was standing next to him. “Fuck.”

Zack looked appalled. The smell of paint assaulted his nose. The floor board had been filled entirely with red paint. So full that it reached just over the seat; Zack looked at the back of the seat where red paint looked like it had been brushed on. ‘Dead.’ Was the word scrawled across the back of the seat, seeing that Zack pulled Jared away from the truck immediately? After taking a few steps back he saw that the tires were slit.

“Jared, roll up your pants and go into the office buddy. Take off your shoes just outside the door and as the secretary for a garbage bag to sit on.” Talon spoke to the little boy with quiet words. Zack led Jared over to the door when the little boy wouldn’t let go of his hand.

“It’s okay. Go ahead and wait for me okay?” Zack hugged the little boy and opened the door for him. When he returned to the truck Zack sighed, Talon hung up his cell phone and turned to him. “I’m sorry about the mess.”

“Not your fault. I hope you don’t mind but I called the cops.” Talon spoke; Zack shook his head. The principal looked the run down man over. “Nothing seems easy right now does it?”

“No not at all actually. Can you give me a second?” Talon nodded and turned to look at the truck again. Zack pulled his phone out. “Hey Mattie can you and Matt go over to my house and check everything out? Someone just fucked up Brian’s truck. Yeah, thanks I’ll see you soon.”

“Your brother?” Talon remembered Zack saying something about Jared’s uncle.

“Yeah. He is staying with Brian’s best friend so they are going by and checking on my dogs.” Talon slightly chuckled. “No seriously I need to know they are okay. I just adopted a dog that someone cut open and left in my back yard with a threatening note that they would be back.”

Zack kept looking over at the office where the little boy was probably sitting while shaking and crying. “Do you think it’s the same person?”

“Probably, that means there following me.” Zack looked around panicked. “Who ever it is broke into my house, and has now messed up my truck. Who knows what’s next.”

The police showed up and interrogated Zack, questioned Talon and even Jared. The little boy didn’t say a word, just shook or nodded his head. Zack told them about the note and explained everything he knew. They asked for the note and any evidence they could get about the last assault.

Matt and Mattie showed up with new clothes and the pups in the back of Matt’s truck. The cops even looked at Wesley and asked for the vet that dealt with him. After changing in the school bathroom, Zack and Jared got in Matt’s truck that was soon followed by a tow truck and a police car.

At home they unloaded the vehicle, the dogs and the kids. Jared took baby Kage and held onto him gently. Mattie stayed with the kids inside the house while everyone else dealt with the investigation outside. The cops wanted details of everything. Zack had given them the note as well.

After all the questions were asked the police said they would send someone to watch the house for the next couple of weeks to make sure everything is okay while they investigate.

Matt and Mattie stayed the night just to make sure that everything would be alright. They had called and gotten Bentley back from Matt’s mom just to be sure. They all had a rough nights sleep not knowing what to expect.

Notes