Fire and Rain Read Online Free

anything.”
    “Well, go find out. Because if we want to keep this piece of work off the streets, we have to have something we can charge him with other than trespassing. We’ll take him in and get him settled in a nice dry cell. Maybe with him gone, you’ll get something out of him.” Red motioned with his head to Jos, who stood with Isaac in his arms, singing the same lullaby he had before.
    Kip slowly walked over to where the two of them stood. “Jos, what happened?”
    He didn’t answer, standing taller and staring Kip down. Of course it didn’t work, and Kip simply stared back and repeated the question, adding a fierceness to his tone until Jos began to shift from foot to foot.
    “Are you going to follow us around all night?”
    “If I have to. Now tell me what happened.”
    “I am not his boy,” Jos said defiantly.
    Kip waited for him to continue, but he didn’t. “What’s his name?”
    “Tyler Adamson, but I don’t know if the name’s real or not. He laid claim to me about a week ago, and I’ve tried to keep Isaac and me away from him. I did good too, until he found me a while ago.”
    “Did he hurt you?” Kip asked.
    “You mean did he manage to fuck me? No. You were in time to stop that.”
    Kip suppressed a sigh. “Did he hit you or grab you?”
    “He pushed me against the house. That hurt. He threatened to hurt Isaac if I didn’t do what he wanted. Said he’d cut his… you know off. The guy’s a pervert—likes guys and girls, or so I hear, but wants it rough and likes them unwilling, if you know what I mean. Word on the street is that the more they fight, the more he likes it.”
    “Okay. I need you to come to the station with me so you can tell me what happened. That way I can keep him in jail.”
    “What about your friend? Is that offer of food still good? Isaac’s really hungry, and….”
    Kip would make sure they ate. That wasn’t optional now, as far as he was concerned. “Here’s the deal. I’ll make sure you both eat all you want. You need to tell me what happened so I can get your statement.”
    “Then we can go?”
    “Then you need to show up at the police station tomorrow morning so you can identify this Tyler Adamson and formally press charges. I have enough for assault, attempted rape, and I’ll see if I can add some more once I have your statement.” Kip stepped closer to Jos. “You have to trust me. I’m not going to hurt either of you, and if you let me, I’ll try to help.”
    “Why?” Jos shot back. “Nobody does something for nothing. Never has, never will.”
    “Maybe I’m doing it because I don’t want Isaac sleeping on the street. Isaac’s relying on you to take care of him. Are you going to give up a chance for him to be warm and comfortable?”
    “Okay, fine. I’ll go with you.”
    Kip nodded and checked the time. His shift was just ending. “Then let’s get you in the car. I need to take you to the station so I can punch out and then get my car. I’ll call my friend so he can help you. Donald is a good man, and he said he can give you some things for Isaac—clean clothes, things like that.”
    “You’re really going to help me?” Jos asked.
    “Yes.”
    “And you don’t want nothing?”
    “No. I don’t want anything from you other than your honesty. Now let’s get in the car so we can get you two fed and then find you a place to sleep, okay?” Kip motioned to the cruiser, and Jos helped Isaac and then got into the backseat without another word.
    Kip drove to the station and transferred Jos and Isaac to his car. Then he went inside, clocked out, and left for the night, calling Donald as he went. “Is that offer of dinner still on?”
    “What happened?” Donald asked. “And yes. If they need it, you know I’m there. I’ll see what I have. Bring them over. Carter is home, so he can help too.”
    “Thanks,” Kip said as he got to his car. Isaac fussed as they rode, and Jos did his best to soothe him, but he couldn’t be