Keeley Thomson (Book 2): Keelzebub Read Online Free Page B

gay? Why bother?” The man truly did seem shaken for a few seconds, so Keeley took the chance to set the donut boxes on a low table he had off to the right. There was nothing of note on it, a few papers and some folders. Not really reading Keeley made a point of memorizing the scene. It was something she’d always been able to do, if she thought about it. Make sure she remembered stuff.
    Keeley found the chair he’d indicated, one that was far too nice for an office setting, almost a leather reading chair, and sat comfortably, making eye contact with the older man the whole time.
    “So, I have a few things to talk about Mr. Benson. First, well it’s a bit awkward, but I was wondering if you knew about the horrible problem they’re having with alcohol and underage drug parties at Wilson High school? Now, I don’t want to keep anyone from having fun, but I’ve heard that the Homecoming party is going to be huge this year and many illegal activities are planned. Drinking, underage sex, possibly people taking pictures of nude underage girls engaged in who knows what to put on the internet for perverts to look at, which is highly illegal. I’m sure that people will also be smoking marijuana and doing stupid things like recklessly jumping over bonfires.” Keeley did her best to sound like the prim church lady from every television show ever. It kind of worked, and got the requisite perfunctory nod from the man in front of her.
    All that stuff probably would be happening after all. It was what people did for fun, most places.
    Before he could speak Keeley grinned at him suddenly, getting a questioning look in response.
    “Now normally, I’m sure such things would just be overlooked. Kids will be kids and all that kind of thing, plus the paperwork has got to be a nightmare. However, a firm stance now, against such things might just help remind people that you care about kids personally, which won’t make you look bad at all, after the thing with Rob. Plus, most people won’t be able to tell that you’re mainly doing it to make them feel their kids are safe. So it moves right past the whole thing where they think you’re just spinning things to try and look good. No one cares about the issue of underage drinking, except for the fact that right now, they’re worried about their children being murdered. Be seen making them safer and people will associate their children not dying with you. Since most of them won’t be dying anytime soon, you really can’t fail there.”
    The man didn’t say anything for a long time.
    “So, you want a crackdown on parties?” He finally spoke, his tone slightly wary.
    “Not at all. God no. That would just be mean and make the police look like killjoys. I want you to go to Wilson high right after school on Friday, just before the preparations for the big game begin, and have some officers look in specific vehicles for alcohol. Just through the windows, so nothing illegally invasive. No alcohol means that about eighty percent of the problems will go away instantly. Though…” Keeley had a thought, one that made her blink for a few seconds. It was a good idea, if a little risky for the Chief.
    “What?”
    “Well, what if the police force held a party? For the kids? Maybe a couple? Set up some refreshments, maybe some music. Hold it outside with the police already there and let the kids know that they won’t be busted for making out or getting a little loud, since it’s sanctioned. No booze, but most kids aren’t alcoholics anyway. If five show up, call it a win and get it in the papers. I can set most of that up for you if you can provide the police to watch it and are willing to slap your name on it? Maybe get a few guys off duty? So you know, adult supervision without uniforms too? I’ll get Coretechs to front a bit of money for supplies. If you want, I mean.” It was a public relations gimmick, but it was also one that Darla hadn’t given him. Plus, if they did it right, the