Redemption: Bound by Blood #2

10/29/2018

New York City, New York

Downtown

Losing a loved one, someone she cares deeply for, and the feelings of fear associated with it, are all too familiar with Angelica Jones.  The Boston native can remember all too well about how the mere possibility of losing her then young child Marie to the biological father caused Angelica to mentally and emotionally snap, losing complete control of all rational thought.  It’s what ultimately led to her spending time in a mental institution and since being released she had made it her goal to never lose sight of her loved ones again.  She made sure to never lose her children.  That’s what made the Jones family so close; Angelica’s determination to keep them together, that they stick together.

Thus it was more than just a maternal instinct that drove Angelica as she searched the streets of downtown New York City for Dustin.  She knew all too well the pain of loss.  She knew that guilt of being responsible and the fear that there may never be a reunion.  Angelica never wanted to feel that again.

“Uh, excuse me…” Angelica approached two young women, for a moment it took Angelica’s breath away as they looked similar to two of her own children, Marie and Jessica, but these two were younger; both in their teen years.  But it was enough to make Angelica stop and think about what was important and why was doing this. “...but have you seen this boy?”

“Um I, like, don’t think so.”

“Actually, I think I did see him…” the other, her friend, said.  This brought immediate hope to Angelica, but that hope was quickly dashed…

“No, you’re like, thinking of that weirdo who totally hit on you.”

“Really?”

“Uh-huh,” she nodded her head “look at this kid’s hairdo...totally different and stuff.”

Angelica sighed, watching the other woman nod her head in agreement, and watching that slim hope being taken away. “Yep, you’re right, sis.”

So they’re sisters.  That made this encounter all that much more surreal for Angelica Jones.  Two sisters, old enough (or young enough as it were) to be Angelica’s own children.  It definitely gave Angelica pause to think about how she would react if it were her children missing.

It would drive her to the brink of insanity and that’s not much of an exaggeration.

On more than one occasion Angelica has stated that her oldest daughter, Marie Annabelle Jones, is the glue that keeps her held together.  She means that in a mental and emotional sense.  But she also knows that it is not really true.  All three of her children are the glue that holds Angelica together.  Marie, Kimberly, and Jessica all three help Angelica remain stable.  She could not possibly imagine life without them.

“Hey, aren’t you, like, Angelica Jones?”

Celebrity came back to bite her in the ass.  She’d rather not deal with fans when she’s trying to track down Dustin. “Uh, I think you have me mistaken for someone else.”

“No, that’s you!” She insisted. “You’re that singer!”

Ok, she wasn’t a wrestling fan, considering she didn’t know her from her wrestling career but instead knew her as a part time recording artist.  Angelica sighed and rolled her eyes.

“Honestly, no I’m not.  I can’t even sing worth a crap.” Angelica lied through her teeth.

“No, sis, it’s not her.” The other insisted. “She’s old.”

“Oh yeah, like, ancient and stuff.” Angelica was now starting to fume as she listened and took it in. “Angelica’s gorgeous and stuff.”

“And I’m not?” Angelica asked.

“Well, not like her!”

The two girls start to giggle.  Angelica sighed and shook her head. “Alright, well, thanks for your help.”

Jones turned and started walking further down the street, trying to find anyone she could ask about the whereabouts of the missing Dustin.  He may not be her child but the mere fact that he was missing brought back old memories and old feelings of dread.  Angelica wanted to find Dustin.  She wanted to bring him back safely.  She could not forgive herself if she did not do everything she could to help him.

Angelica spotted a familiar sight; not someone she knew, but someone she knew would definitely help.  It’s a man dressed in black dress pants, a black button up shirt, and black shoes with a white clerical collar around his neck.  It was a priest.

“Father!” Angelica exclaimed, walking in a fast, hurried fashion up to the priest.  The priest, a younger man with brown hair, turned to face Angelica and smiled politely. “Father, may I have a moment of your time?”

“Yes, of course, Miss…”

“Jones.  Angelica Jones.”

“Father Jonathan.  Nice to meet you, Ms. Jones.  How may I help you?”

“I was hoping you had maybe seen this boy around.” She flashed a photograph of Dustin.  The priest studied it for a moment and then shook his head.

“I’m sorry, ma’am, but I have not seen him.”

There goes that hope again.  Angelica sighed and nodded her head. “Thanks anyway, Father.”

“What is the young man’s name?  I’ll keep an eye out for him.  My parish is in a neighborhood where a great many young men and women his age tend to hang out.”

“Thank you.” Angelica quickly produced a pen and took some scrap paper from the priest.  She scribbled her cell phone number and handed it to the priest. “His name is Dustin.  Thank you again.”

“Is he yours?”

Angelica couldn’t help but hold back a smile.  After the girls thought she was old now this priest mistook her for a potentially younger mother when Angelica herself in actuality was a grandmother.

“No, but I care about him and I worry that he may be in danger.”

“What’s wrong?” Father Jonathan asked inquisitively.

“Let’s just say he’s one of those boys that society has seemingly forgotten about.  Society has let down.”

“Ah, one of those.” Father shook his head. “There are many children like living in an around my parish.  I do all I can to help but all too often they fall through the cracks.”

“Yes, it is sad.” Angelica said, rather crestfallen.

“Well, I’ll let you know if I see him.”

Angelica watched the priest walk away.  She was afraid for Dustin and his safety.  Yet, at the same time, she also thought of this as a sign.  Angelica realized that she had always been at her best, as a human being, when she was helping others.  She helped her friend Maria when she first joined the convent.  She helped find her sister and helped her through the trying times after foster care.  She wanted to help Dustin in any way she could.  Angelica Jones is a thirteen time world champion and after each title win she still wanted more.  But when she helped others, she felt happy.  She felt content.

She was not content right that moment, though.  Dustin was out there, somewhere, and he needed help.  Unfortunately, Angelica had no idea where he was and doesn’t know where to proceed.

_______________________________

“Excuse me,” James stopped and asked a group of teenagers who were standing outside of a hat shop, smoking cigarettes. They looked at James and he could tell they were judging him but he didn’t care. He was more concerned with finding Dustin, “Have you guys seen this kid?” James asked, showing them the picture he took with Dustin and Angelica on his phone.

The teens, all male, looked at one another and snickered before looking back at James, “Nah, we ain’t seen him,” One of the teens said, “But do you have any more pictures of that girl on your phone? That bitch is fine.”

James sighed, and felt himself getting quickly annoyed with the situation. He remembered how he would have acted a few years ago had someone said something like to him, about someone he cared for. James knew he would have lashed out violently but all he did this time was sigh, “Yeah she has a name and she’s not a bitch. You need to have a little bit more respect, kid,” James said as he put his phone away, “All I asked you guys was if you had seen this kid. He ran away and he could be in trouble. He could be hurt. I know I’m not going to get much out of you guys but just remember that decency goes a long way in this world.”

“Oh shut up faggot!”

“Yeah, you pussy ass bitch…” James couldn’t believe his ears. Sure, he had heard curse words and insults before. He heard a lot in the wrestling world. They were far worse whenever Abel was in control and running rampant. Grandmothers were throwing Bibles at him at house shows, claiming that he was the Devil who had returned to Earth.

He heard, “You a soft bitch. Tell your bitch that if she needs a real man, she can come see me. I’ll show her…”

James gritted his teeth and before he knew it, he had grabbed the teen by the shirt collar and backed him against a wall, “You really need to watch your mouth…” James fumed for a few moments before realizing what he was doing. He took a few deep breaths as he slowly released the kid’s collar and stepped back. The rest of the teens had circled around him. James stepped back even further, making sure all of them were in his line of sight. He could see the look of anger on their faces. He knew that face well, as he had had the same one when he was their age. He had their same disrespectful manner. He was pissed at the world and felt it owed him something. James kept his eyes on the boys until he felt safe, knowing that they were ready to attack him. He and his friends had done the same thing to an older guy who tried to right the wrongs they were doing. James didn’t want Karma to bite him in the ass.

James turned and went down to the opposite end of the block but it still took some time for him to stop looking over his shoulder. He made his way into a Mom and Pops style burger joint. Nobody really looked at him upon entry, as everyone was eating, talking, or watching the news. James made his way over to the counter, where he was met by the face of an older gentleman, probably in his late sixties, “What can I help ya with?”

“I was wondering…” James started, pulling his phone out and bringing up the group photo he had shown to the teens with no such luck, “If you have seen this kid recently? Like in the last hour or so.”

The old man looked at the picture, studying it for a few moments before nodding his head, which gave James a slight hint of relief, “Yeah, I know Dustin. He’s a good kid. Can’t say the same for his family. But I haven’t seen him in here. He usually hangs out a little further down at the basketball courts. That’s his thing.”

James exhaled deeply, “Thank you. I greatly appreciate it.”

A look of concern spread on the old man’s face, showing in the wrinkles around his eyes, “Is everything alright?”

Slipping his phone into his back pocket, James locked eyes with the old man, remembering all that Daniel had said about the last time Dustin ran away, “I hope so. Thank you again.”

James made his way down the rest of the block. He looked around at the hordes of people standing on the front steps of apartment buildings, or just walking down the street, trying to get from point A to point B. James wondered where Dustin was going and why he wanted to be there. Why he wanted to run away in the first place.

James reached the basketball courts and began to ask around if anyone had seen Dustin in the last hour or so. Most of them said no, before one told James to talk to someone named Nick. James made his way over, while two young adults played a game of ball. James saw them feeling free, just as he saw the same thing in Dustin earlier in the day.

“Nick…?” James asked, catching them off guard. One looked at him and James repeated himself, ”Nick?”

“Who wants to know?”

James repeated the process of pulling out his phone and showing the picture, “Do you know this kid? His name is Dustin…”

The kid looked at the picture then at James, hesitantly, “Are you some kind of cop?”

“Definitely not,” James stated quickly, “I’m just trying to find Dustin. Have you seen him?”

“Nah man,” He replied, causing James to feel slightly defeated, “Can’t say I have. Saw him a few days ago, but not today. Is everything alright with him?”

“Any reason as to why things may not be alright with him, Nick...If you don’t mind me asking.”

Nick dribbled the ball a few times, looking like he was wondering if he needed to say anything or not. He looked up and sighed, “Dustin and I used to be pretty good friends but when he got into drugs, I had to bail on him. I don’t know if he ever got clean, but I’ve heard rumblings around the neighborhood that he had gotten into some bad shit.”

“What sort of bad shit?”

“Meth...pills...you name it, he’s probably used it or is using it,” Nick said before slowly back away, dribbling the ball, looking back up at James, “That’s all I know, man. Sorry I couldn’t help with anything else. I hope you find him and I hope everything’s alright.”

James nodded, “I appreciate it,” James said before slowly walking off of the basketball courts, placing his hands in his pockets and making his way back towards the comic shop, the questions repeating over in his mind. Why did Dustin want to run away? Where did he go? James also couldn’t help but question as to whether or not it was something he had said or did. Something he didn’t say or do?

It made James think about his own childhood and why he decided to work with at-risk youth. Growing up and going to school, no really asked James a lot of questions. They never asked why he was so tired in the class, or why he’d fall asleep at lunch or during a test. Teachers chalked it up to a behavior problem, sending James to the principal’s office. Not really having anyone around made James to want to help others who were growing up in similar situations. It was why he spent so much time researching different programs geared towards at-risk youth and helping them out.

He remembered telling Braelynn about his idea to do so. She had asked if he was sure about doing it. James told her how he never had anyone growing up, at least anyone to talk to, or anyone he could relate to. James said that a lot of the kids in foster care and considered at-risk could relate to him and vice versa, due to their backgrounds. Walking through New York, with no sign of Dustin, James told himself that talking about doing it and making a difference seemed to be a lot easier than actually doing it.

James eventually found himself back at the comic book shop. Angelica walked up as well, looking worried just as James did. James nodded at her, “Any luck at all?”

Angelica brushed her red hair out of her face and shook her head, “No. I asked every single person that I saw. Some said they knew him. Some said they didn’t. Hell, some of them didn’t say anything,” Angelica sighed before nodding at James, “What about you? Any luck?”

“I didn’t find him. I had a few promising leads but they led to nowhere,” James said with a sigh of his own, “I spoke to a kid who didn’t make me feel any better at all about the situation.”

“What do you mean?”

James recalled the conversation with the kid Nick at the courts before replying, “I spoke to this kid at some basketball courts. He said he and Dustin used to be friends, but Dustin got really bad into drugs so they stopped being friends. When I asked him if he had heard anything about Dustin being involved in anything recently...at least drug wise...and the kid said that he heard Dustin was using just about anything he could get his hands on.”

“Jesus,” Angelica said, releasing a deep breath.

A few cars pulled up. Daniel got out of one, followed by a female. The rest were law enforcement. James and Angelica spent the next hour giving statements, detailing their time with Dustin, to police before they found themselves face to face with Daniel. He looked worn with worry, “Thank you for calling me. Are you two alright?”

Angelica and James looked at one another before looking back at Daniel as Angelica nodded and said, “Yeah, I think so.”

“As good as I can be expected,” James said, trying to be as calm as possible, “So what happens next?”

Before Daniel could reply, the female he arrived with walked over to them. Daniel shook hands with her before turning to face James and Angelica, “This is Brandy Rhynes. She is with Social Services. She is Dustin’s social worker.”

Brandy nodded at James and Angelica, brushing her auburn hair out of her olive green eyes, “Pleasure to meet you both.”

James nodded, “Same. Just wish it wasn’t under these circumstances.”

Angelica chimed in, “Same.”

James spoke again, “So what happens now?”

Brandy replied, “Well, it is procedure that in the event of a run away, my Department is to contact the respondent parents. I have to let them know Dustin ran away. I have to get names and numbers from them for any potential relatives or friends he may contact.”

Before Brandy could continue, James cut her off, “That is all well and good, but are they even going to care? To hear the kid talk, they aren’t going to give a shit whether or not he’s gone. Just seems like a waste of time if you ask me.”

“Sir,” Brandy started, clearing her throat, looking at James as stern as possible, “I have a protocol to follow. It doesn’t matter if I like it or not, but it is something that I have to do. I have to inform his parents. For all we know, he may be with them. Or he could be staying with relatives. Dustin has plenty of brothers and sisters. His family is all over this city.”

James shook his head, “What is the point in that? If they’re not going to care…”

Brandy fired back, “This isn’t about opinions, sir. This is about much more. It is about Dustin’s safety. That is all that I care about.”

Angelica stepped forward, pressing a hand on James’ shoulder, hoping he would start to calm down, “I’m sorry, Brandy. James cares about Dustin. He wants him to be safe. We all do. We understand that you have a job to do. If there is anything that we can do to help, please…” Angelica paused and looked at James before returning her gaze to Brandy, “Please, let us know. I will leave you my number.”

Brandy glared at James once more before looking at Angelica and letting out a sigh, “I thank you. Dustin needs all of the support he can get. I’ve known him for quite some time. What is your number?” James watched as Angelica gave Brandy her number. Brandy then looked at James once again, “James, would you mind giving me your number? I can update you as well. I plan on going to his parents’ home. I can call both of you afterwards.”

James shook his head, “No. I want to go with you.”

“I don’t think that is a good idea, James…” Brandy stated.

Angelica nodded, “I agree, James. Let’s just go home and let Brandy as well as the cops do their jobs.”

“I don’t care and I can’t go home right now. I have to be there. I’m sure none of you understand, but I feel I need to be there,” James said, looking at Angelica, Brandy, and Daniel in an almost pleading manner.

Angelica walked over to James, glancing over her shoulder at Brandy and Daniel, telling them she needed to talk to James. Angelica then locked eyes with James, “I really don’t think this is a good idea, James. Are you going crazy?”

James shook his head, “No, I’m not crazy. I just feel responsible for Dustin running off. I’m not going to be able to go home and just wait around to see if he is found. That would make me go crazy over anything else.”

“I just don’t think it’s a good idea, James. You’re getting way too involved for someone you just met.”

James nodded and sighed, knowing she was right, “I can’t argue with Angelica and I won’t. I can’t help that I care. I want to help this kid and I don’t want to live with regret, knowing that there was more I could do,” Angelica went to reply but James turned away and locked eyes with Brandy, “Brandy...you driving?” Brandy nodded looking uneasy in the process before climbing into her car. James made his way over before looking at Angelica, “I’ll let you know if we find out anything.”

“I’ll do the same,” Angelica called back before watching as Brandy and James pulled away from the scene. Angelica sighed as Daniel walked up, “How are you holding up?”

Daniel smirked and shook his head, “I’ve dealt with this sort of thing for a long time and each time, the feeling I get is much worse than the time before.”

“Do you think James is being dumb for trying to save a kid who may not be able to be saved?”

Daniel shook his head once more, “I don’t think it’s dumb. It just shows that he cares, which is something Dustin, or any of the other kids I’ve worked with, hasn’t seen in quite some time.”

Angelica stood still as Daniel slowly walked away, becoming lost in the crowd who had formed around the comic book shop. She took one last look at it before turning and deciding to make her way to her New York loft.

But as he had told his partner, going home was not an option for James. Brandy barreled down the streets of New York. They rode in silence until they found themselves outside of an apartment complex one gust wind away from complete collapse.

James finally broke the silence, “Do you think he will be found?”

Brandy shrugged, “I don’t know. All I can do is hope for the best. That’s the biggest takeaway from this job. You can’t really save anyone. You can only hope things take a turn for the best.”

“And how often does that happen?”

She sighed next, “Not as often as any of us would like.”

James nodded, as the answer was what he expected. It made him think of there would have been any differences made if social services had been involved with his family as he was growing up and enduring what he endured.

“So,” Brandy asked, “What got you involved with Youth Achieve? The only reason I’m asking is because I know who you are. You’re all famous and shit. Are you doing this because you may actually care or are you trying to boost your public image?”

“I have a public image?”

“Don’t be a smart ass.”

James chuckled, knowing his attempt at humor didn’t help the situation. It didn’t make him feel any better about Dustin running away so it was an all-around failure, “Before I ever became a wrestler I had attended college, signing up for the social work program. I had every intention of completing it and getting a job to help people.”

“And what happened?”

James’ mind flooded with the memory of him and his college roommate getting high before going for a drive. James recalled how that drive resulted in a police chase. Things ended with James going to jail and his roommate leaving in an ambulance, losing everything in his life. The memory left a bad taste in his mouth as James replied, “I couldn’t outrun my demons.”

James glanced and saw Brandy nodding her head in approval, as well as a small frown forming on her face before she replied, “I know what that is like. But, I think all of us who get into this line of work…I think we all have our own demons. Things we dealt with growing up. Those things make us want to make life different for those we end up working with,” Her words made her actually smile which James noticed. It was something he admired. She took pride in her work, which was something James used to not be able to do.

James was always so mad, so angry. Just mad at the world and filled with hate. It was on his face, in his words. It was something that he could not shake. He gave himself a smudge of credit as they continued to drive, telling himself that he has done well for himself since coming back into the world of professional wrestling. He had managed to achieve some success since his return, and he had done it without the anger, without the hate spilling over.

They turned down Washington Avenue, finding themselves in the middle of Crown Heights, at the Albany houses. Albany Houses consisted of six buildings, 14 stories, and 824 apartments in total. It rested in the central portion of New York’s borough of Brooklyn. James shuddered at the sight of the buildings, as he knew them very well. When his family moved to New York, his father would be found quite often in the area, during his days using and running cocaine for various pushers and drug kingpins. James remembered that he would often go on the road with his father when he needed a fix, or needed money, and each trip ended at Crown Heights.

Brandy brought the car to a stop then looked over at James, “Are you alright, James?”

James stared through the glass at the buildings once again, taking a deep breath before looking over at Brandy and nodding his head, slowly exhaling, “Yeah, I’m good. It’s just very ominous looking out here at night.”

Brandy released a deep breath of her own as she nodded as well, “You won’t hear me arguing with you about that. Place gives me the fucking creeps, but then again, so do most places in this city. Day or night, it doesn’t matter.”

They got out of their car, Brandy locked it immediately. They looked around before looking at each other as Brandy spoke once more, “Now, his parents are named Dillon and Traci. They are heavy users. You name it then they use it. Dillon will try to come off intimidating because he believes he is the cock of the walk, but I don’t think you’d have any problem. Traci, she is going to come off and try to flirt with you. She may offer to blow you because that is how her mind works these days. Anything to get a fix.”

James shook his head. Brandy scoffed, “What?”

James shook his head again, “I don’t know how you do it, man. Do this job, do this line of work, dealing with people like this.”

Brandy shrugged, “I don’t know. Instead of trying to outrun my demons, I guess you could say that this is my way of fighting them every single day. It’s not easy, but I confront something about myself every single day. I get broken, but I manage to put myself back together again,” James simply nodded before stepping aside to let her lead the way. They made their way up a few flights of stairs before Brandy slowed her pace down. She turned to face James, “Now, when we are in here…you need to let me do all of the talking, alright?”

“Why do you say that?”

“I know these people. They know me. They don’t know you. I told you that Dustin’s dad will try to intimidate you. Don’t give him any reason to pop off. There is too much going on right now. We don’t need any blood on our hands. Alright?”

James nodded, “I got it,” Brandy walked passed James once again before coming to a door. Brandy looked at James who nodded before Brandy knocked on the door. James stood there, not knowing what to expect. A few moments later, the door opened. A man stood there, who was probably in his late 40’s, but looked to be in 70s after years of substance abuse among other things. It reminded James of the last time he had seen his father.

“Hey, Dillon, it’s me Brandy from Social Services…”

Dillon spoke, his voice raspy like he was choking on gravel, “I know who you are. What do you want?”

James noticed Brandy’s uneasy smile become a little bit more uneasy. She cleared her throat before replying, “Do you mind if we come in? I’d like to talk to you about Dustin.”

Dillion sighed and shook his head, giving James a dirty look or two before motioning for he and Brandy to come in. Once inside, Dillon closed the door and James immediately felt like he was back in his childhood home. The floor was littered with cigarette butts, empty beer cans and bottles. There were pills covering the living room table. James was only able to make out what he saw due to the glare coming off of the television as the apartment was drowned in shadows.

“Traci!” Dillon shouted, bringing James back to reality as he stood there. Dillon looked at James, “Who the fuck are you?”

Before James could say anything Brandy stepped in and responded, “This is James. He just started working with Dustin at the Youth Achieve agency.”

“Fuck do you want?” said another voice, belonging to a woman who entered the gray from the darkness

Dillon replied, “They are here to talk to us about Dustin.”

Traci sighed before taking a seat next to Dillon on the couch, “What did that little shit do this time?” Her tone and the way she spoke about Dustin made James sick to his stomach. He wanted to say something then and there, but he was doing his best to stay respectful of Brandy’s wishes. James just stood there, listening and observing as Brandy filled Dustin’s parents in on the events of the day regarding Dustin running away. Once she was finished, Traci looked over at Dillon who stared straight ahead at nothing but she scoffed and shook her head, grabbing a pipe off of the table and lightning up, taking a hit, making the sickness in James’ stomach intensify as she said, “Ya know, in all honesty…it doesn’t surprise me. That boy is going to do whatever he wants, whenever he wants. He don’t give a damn about anyone else but himself. Oh well,” Traci said with a shrug, “No sweat off of my back.”

Brandy lowered her gaze as James tried not to look at them, as the longer he did, the more he wanted to tell them to go to Hell. Brandy cleared her throat before looking back up at the parents, “Well, have either of you heard from Dustin? Or do you know of anyone he might contact?”

Dillon spoke this time, still staring at nothing, “We haven’t heard from Dustin in God knows how long. We don’t know shit about that boy,” Dillon then leaned forward with a groan, grabbing a pipe of his own off of the table, lighting it up, taking a hit and leaning back against the couch, slowly exhaling.

Brandy turned toward James, “That is our cue,” She said with a whisper before facing the parents once again, “Well, thank you for your time and just know we are going to do all that we can to locate Dustin to ensure his safety,” There was no response. Brandy turned and motioned for James to do the same. James paused for a moment, glaring at the parents, only for Brandy to place her hand on his shoulder causing James to lock eyes with her as she shook her head no. James went to say something but she stood in front of him again, shaking her head no. James sighed before turning and exiting the apartment. They said nothing as they made their way down the stairwell, going straight to the car. Once inside, Brandy looked at James who didn’t want to make eye contact until she said, “I can tell you’re pissed off at me, but trust me…that is a problem that you don’t want to deal with.”

“Is that so,” James questioned her, his words filled with an anger he hadn’t felt in quite some time, “They didn’t seem to give two shits about Dustin. How could you just stand there and listen to that horse shit? How could you just take that, knowing that they didn’t care?”

Brandy turned and faced James, “I have to, James. It’s not that I want to. It’s that I have to. God Almighty knows that there are days I want to quit because it is too much. With all of the shit that I see, all of the shit that I hear…I’m surprised I don’t drink myself to death.”

James shook his head, biting his tongue for a few moments before turning to her, “You could have said something. You could have told them that they are shitty parents and that they need to get their priorities straight. Hell, I could have and would have told them…”

Before he could continue, Brandy cut James off, “Don’t come at me, telling me how to do my job. You don’t do it. You only went to school for it for a short time, according to you. I deal with it every day, James. Every fucking day! And trust me, I would have loved to tell them all of that and so much more, but I can’t. It would make me just like them in my eyes. I have to take the high road. I don’t do that for me. I do that for kids like Dustin. There are times where it seems that I am all Dustin has, so I’m not going to be selfish and risk taking that away from him.”

James stared at Brandy, wanting to say something but was unable to find the words. He knew he was wrong. He sighed before turning and facing forward in his seat, scoffing and shaking his head as Brandy spoke once more, “You can sit there and pass judgment on me, all that you want but I am telling you the truth, James. I truly hope that you see and understand that someday.”

James exhaled, “I’m not judging you. I’m judging myself. You showed me tonight that I am not as strong as I thought I was. I couldn’t do your job. I guess there are demons that I can no longer outrun. Demons that I have to fight as you put it…every single day,” James said, as he started to feel a lot better about the idea of finding his father, the biggest demon in his closet. James sighed once more, “I’m sorry, Brandy. I truly am.”

Brandy shook her head, “Don’t mention it. This line of work isn’t for everyone…” A soft smirk appeared on her face, “But if it really means that much to you then maybe you could buy me a drink.”

James frowned before slowly shaking his head, “In a different time, I would take you up on that invitation, but I need to get a home. I’m sorry I have a very upset and worried fiancé waiting up for me.”

Brandy replied as her smirk remained, “I can respect that and just so you know, in a different time, you would make a damn fine social worker,” James nodded before Brandy started the car and drove off into the night.

Once they reached his apartment building, James shook hands and thanked Brandy, who leaned forward and kissed him on the cheek. They made eye contact before she spoke, “Someone will be in touch with you and your friend when we get some leads about Dustin.”

“I greatly appreciate it.”

“Go spend time with your lady,” Brandy said, motioning towards the complex with her eyes. James nodded before climbing out of the car. He stood in the middle of the street, staring at the building once again, the place that felt more like home than anything else he had ever known. He made his way inside, opened his door and was met by Braelynn. She walked towards him, seeing how upset he was and they hugged, with James not wanting to let go.

_______________________________

Angelica Jones was still on the hunt for Dustin.  Unfortunately she had still made zero progress.  The last measure of progress she made was with the priest and he only promised to keep a look out for him.  He hadn’t seen Dustin, just as no one else she had stopped in downtown New York City had seen Dustin.

Jones spotted an older couple.  Figured she should at least give it a shot.  Angelica approached the elderly man and woman and smiled politely, waving.

“Hi, I was hoping you could….”

“You’re Angelica Jones!”

Jones furrowed her brow curiously.  An older couple knew her?  “Uh, yeah…”

“I love wrestling!” The old man responded in a somewhat enthusiastic tone.  This surprised Angelica.  She didn’t expect an elderly gentleman to be interested in pro-wrestling.  That just was not the demographic you’d expect to enjoy watching and following wrestling.  She’d expect them to know her from music.

“My Eugene here is like a child when it comes to wrestling, dearie.”

“Don’t listen to my little vixen here,” the old man remarked “she doesn’t get it.”

“Some people don’t.” Angelica said smiling. “It isn’t for everyone.”

“This is true.  But how may we help you, Miss Jones?”

“I just need to know if you have seen this boy.” She held up the picture of Dustin. Eugene and his wife studied the photograph.

“I haven’t seen him.”

“But doesn’t he look just like our grandkid, Eugene?”

“Yeah but he aint our grandkid, Blanche!” Eugene answered his wife. He turned to face Angelica. “Sorry, but we haven’t seen him.”

“That’s ok, thank you for your help.”

Angelica sighed as she turned and walked away in another direction. Her mind was rushing with thoughts of what might be going on with Dustin but she knew that she couldn’t let herself get distracted.  She needed to just keep looking, keep asking, and hoping somewhere, someone had seen or heard from him.

Jones didn’t get very far down the road until she heard the familiar tone of the chorus to “All The Things She Said” playing from her iPhone.  Angelica stopped in her tracks and quickly reached for her phone and pulled it open.  She looked at the screen for the caller ID and sighed...she pressed the green button to answer and immediately put it to speaker.

“Hi Kay.”

“Gee, you sound happy to hear from me.” Kayla, Angelica’s younger sister, sounded rather sarcastic in her response.

“Sorry, but I’m hoping to hear back from someone, anyone, who may know where Dustin is.”

“Dustin?  Oh, that kid you and James hooked up with.”

“Yes, Dustin.”

“I never thought I’d ever say this but I have to admit, you  may be a better person than I am.”

“Thanks, I think.” Angelica remarked.

“Oh I mean it.  I don’t think Trenton and I would ever take on troubled youth.”

“Trenton is only focused on two things, money and your body.”

“Oh hush.” Kayla snapped. “But seriously, I am glad to hear that you’re putting your time and energy into some positive things.”

“Maybe...still can’t find Dustin, though, and that’s not good.”

“It’s not your fault, sis.  All you can do is look for him.  You can’t make him show up.  Though Trenton does have some contacts in New York City.  He could call them up and see what they can do.”

“Maybe that’s a good…” just then Angelica was cut off when her iPhone started vibrating again, signaling another caller and this time it was an unknown number.  This told Angelica that it was either the priest she spoke to earlier or maybe Daniel. “...actually, let me call you back, Kay.”

Angelica quickly hung up on Kayla while answering the other call.  Immediately she turned it off speaker and put the phone to her ear.

“Hello?”

…

“Yes, Daniel.  This is Angelica.  Have you found anything?  Have you heard from Dustin?”

…

“Oh…” Angelica’s face suddenly went white as a sheet “...yeah, I’ll tell James.  Thanks.”

Angelica hung up the phone.  She stood there for awhile, because she had trouble digesting what she just learned.  Dustin has been found dead.  It was reportedly from an overdose.  As if the emotions weren’t churning enough before they are damn sure churning now.  She tried to help Dustin and yet she failed him.  He’s dead.

But that’s not all that hurts Angelica right now.  Painful memories are coming back.  Angelica recalls how she twice tried to commit suicide.  Once when she was forced to join the convent at the order of her father and a second time as an adult.  Both times she tried killing herself through overdose.  She knows how deadly that can be.

Now comes the hard part.  She took the iPhone and dialed James’s number and put the phone up to her ear.

“Yeah, James....I heard from Daniel….Dustin has been found and he’s…” Angelica started crying and it was difficult if not impossible to speak.  She regained her composure and tried again. “...he’s dead, James….it was an overdose.”