All In The Family Read Online Free Page A

didn’t see me though. If they had they probably would have hurt me or something. They’re bad boys, Miss Callie.”
    “Where were you that they didn’t see you?”
    “I was just coming to the park. I was in the woods behind the trees. That’s how come they didn’t see me.”
    “What did you see?” Callie took notes while Berry talked.
    “They had spray paint, and one of them painted all over the sliding board and fences. All over the picnic tables too. Mean boys they are, Miss Callie, and I was scared. I couldn’t hardly breathe ’cause I was afraid they’d see me.”
    She could picture the little girl hiding in the group of trees next to the park. Poor thing. “What did the other boys do?”
    “Billy had some kind of big scissors or something. He cut all the chains on the swings. They was laughing about it. And Johnny, he had some kind of big hammer thing, and he smashed the see-saw and merry go round ’til the seats broke. They threw the stuff all over. I almost peed my pants watching them. I couldn’t wait for them to leave.” Berry squirmed in the chair.  “When they heard the sirens they ran off. Can we go now?”
    William stooped down next to Berry, picked her up and held her. “Do you have everything you need now?”
    Callie made one final note. “That’s all I needed. Will you let her testify in court if we need her?”
    “That wasn’t part of the deal. She’s been through enough.”
    “Look, Mr. Kane I know how difficult this is for her, but she’s our only witness. There’s a pretty good chance she won’t have to. Usually in these cases the prosecutor offers a plea. They’re juveniles so that makes a difference too.”
    Berry squirmed out of William’s arms and came to stand beside me. “You said I only had to tell you what happened, and then we could go eat. You promised.”
    Callie couldn’t help but laugh. “And we’re going to in about two seconds.  I’ll be right back.” She had to send someone to pick up the Benson brothers. What possessed kids to destroy property? What kind of fun did they get out of it?
    After she sent Peters to pick up the Benson boys, she went back to the office. William sat in the chair next to Berry. Callie stopped at the door and looked at him for a minute. Would he change his mind about Berry testifying if they needed her? She hoped they wouldn’t. Surely the DA would offer a plea agreement. They were just kids after all. Heck the oldest couldn’t be more than twelve or thirteen. Right now, she wanted to go to dinner and enjoy herself. She needed a break.
    “Okay, ready?”
    Berry jumped off the chair, came to stand next to her, and slid her hand into Callie’s. The action surprised her, but she liked it. She could get used to this little girl real quick. Not to mention Uncle William.
     
    ***
     
    Callie’s cell phone rang just as they finished dinner. She looked at the number. “Sorry, I have to take this.” She flipped open the cell phone. “Johnson. What’s up?”
    Damn, not now. Looked like it was going to be a long night. Figures, just when she started enjoying herself.
    “Be there in five.” Callie couldn’t remember when she had enjoyed an evening so much. Since coming back to Symtheville, she didn’t socialize much. Not because she didn’t want to. Unpacking took a good deal of her time, but mostly because of the job. Working twelve to fifteen hours a day wasn’t the best job for a single woman. But she enjoyed her work, and wasn’t looking for a relationship. If it happened, it happened. “I’m sorry I have to go. I had a great time. Thanks for dinner.” She stood and gathered her purse, half hoping William would suggest meeting again.
    “Can we do dinner again, Uncle William? Can we, pleeeease?” Berry pulled on William’s arm.
    Callie chuckled at the way Berry batted her lashes at her uncle. That little girl definitely knew how to get her own way. “I have to run.” She turned and hurried to the door, trying to