Chapter 2

He thought about what Lukehad said as he put the main course and dessert into the oven.Franklin had examined it from all angles, but he could only see this as his only option.

He recalled the six-year-old boys who had been caught smoking cannabis when he was a Constable.Their educator had detailed them expecting to run an intercession.Clinton was one of three children in a family whose mother's new boyfriend thought they would benefit from using his baseball bat for practice.They'd been locked out of the house at times and had to spend the night with the trash in the small shed at the back.He once found them tied up like dogs and hungry.He helped them through the three-year legal battle against their parents.Instead of assistance and direction, they had come to anticipate abuse and neglect.Franklin had won their trust by being in the right place at the wrong time, despite the three drawbacks of being an adult, a man, and a police officer.Despite the fact that he was a police officer, he only knew that he was pleasant to talk to.However, when Clinton vanished, the boys had divided.Despite the fact that Franklin was still an outsider, their gang provided them with a sense of family and belonging.

He returned to Johnson .Her hair, which was no longer cropped close to her head, fell around her face in soft waves.Glad to have a genuine explanation, he ventured forward and kissed her on the cheek, apologized and followed it with a waiting embrace.He glanced over her shoulder at Johnny, who was clearly unimpressed by the embrace.Franklin held Johnson for a fraction more time.He ventured back and held her at a manageable distance, hesitant to let her go. "You look perfect."He let her know he had noticed the change by gently touching her hair.Johnson 's mother's pride and joy when she was young was her hair, which had fallen past her waist.When they moved from Germany following the murder of her mother, she had no recollection of her father's brutal haircut.

"I thought I'd let it grow again," she said as she touched her hair, blushing slightly.She probably smiled and he was unable to help himself, he embraced her once more. "It is wonderful to see you.

Supper was a blend of saucy remarks from Johnson , being a tease from Franklin and insults from Johnny.Over espresso, it was Lukewho kicked it off. 'Why don't you spit it out instead?What is the strategy, please?

Franklin looked at Lukeand Johnson .Okay.I know these boys.They have either been abused or attempted suicide, or possibly both.Under the auspices of a group called Youth with a Future, I keep in touch with them.They give people the chance to volunteer their time to help the boys.

Johnson leant in front of you.Do you think that because my mother was killed, the boys might be able to relate to me?If there are no parents to care for them, I suppose some of them are abused.’She picked up on the look that went between the two men.What?’

Franklin continued, "Actually, Johnson , many of them are abused by their parents."Adults are feared, and the home is not a safe environment.Put aside the Stranger Danger lessons that are taught in schools.The monster lives in their own house in their world.Their parents may even be sadists, drug addicts, alcoholics, or criminals.

‘What!That surely isn't common.'She scanned their faces from one to the other and both turned away.Oh my god, I had no idea that abused children would be common when I thought about what police officers see on the job.However, this group seems good.Doesn't it?'There was more, Johnson knew.

Franklin quickly added, "Yes, don't get me wrong," adding, "I have nothing but praise for the work they do."To participate in their programs, there is a waiting list.They have to turn away kids every week.They have done an excellent job.However, one of my boys has been murdered, and two of my boys have vanished.beaten and rendered helpless.They don't appear to know where they came from.I only know that the other boys are aware of something, but they are silent.'Franklin 's annoyance was plain to see.

'Rent boys?'Are you back on the street?Luke Inquired.

The boys who went missing were not playing the game, that's all.Look, we are familiar with their associates and the kind of abuse they endured.However, they primarily engage in minor theft.I'm wondering if some jerk is building a young gang for himself.'Franklin looked over at Johnson .Therefore, I suggested that you consider volunteering at Youth With A Future to see what you can learn.

You mean to volunteer to be a spy?Luke Continued to look for trouble.Obtain their trust so that she can extort any information from them.It might be risky.Johnson 's life could be in jeopardy if anyone believes she is connected to you.Have you considered that, if so?'This was not going to be easy for Johnny.

'Obviously, I'll do it.'Johnson stepped in.I didn't need you to make dinner for me to do this.Naturally, I'll do it.'Johnson drank more of her wine.She felt that everything was settled.

"Do whatever any volunteer would do."If you go to their weekend camp, you might overhear something, someone might tell you something, or someone might just say something casually.Johnson , I know it would be beneficial for you as well.'Franklin extended his hand and took her hand.You'll be able to see the suffering these children must endure.'Franklin thought it might assist Johnson in regaining perspective on her own life.

"Yes, correct!DS, you have the best heart.I might just go along for the ride to make sure Johnson is okay, I suppose.

"What is your intent?"This didn't sound good to Franklin .

"Just like Johnson , volunteer to help with the boys.I think my martial arts skills will impress them, as they require strong male role models.What is your take?'Lukemade a chopping motion as he slashed his hand down.

Johnson was overjoyed.I love that idea.Johnny.Franklin , what do you think?

Johnny, not Franklin , preferred having someone cover Johnson 's back.In the end, this didn't work out.Johnson would be offended if he discouraged Johnny.He gave a nod.There is a camp coming up in a few weeks if you volunteer now.You stay in the residences with the children, you can get very near some of them over the course of the end of the week.You do practices with them and eat with them.We forget everything about it, and the boys got some extra help at camp, if you don't think there is anything going on or if you haven't heard anything.You did something good.'After giving a shrug, Franklin stood up, crossed the bench, and returned a few brochures that he had hidden under the dishes when he arrived.

"My mother was murdered, and I had a stalker who was going to kill me," Johnson said with a sparkle in her eye.That was probably pretty cool for the kids.After stepping away from the brochure, Johnson sat back and surveyed Johnny.He looked exactly like he did—strong, serious, sinister, and dark.It had been up and down for a while, but Lukewas stubborn no matter what Johnson 's stalker did to him.

Okay, but she's out if I even get the slightest hint that Johnson is in danger or getting close to anyone she shouldn't.Agreed?’The difficulty was obvious.

‘Agreed.Johnson , you shouldn't take any chances.Simply maintain open eyes and ears.They will probably enjoy having a vivacious young volunteer around, and some of them might brag to impress you.It's possible that's all you need to get a sense of what's going on.'He inquired, “Okay?” to Johnny.

Luke Gave a nod.You can definitely relax, I'll mind her back.'

The warning could have had more than one meaning, Franklin was aware.Franklin got up and started putting his dishes in the box he bought for them.He took great pleasure in giving Johnson a second hug at the door, knowing that Lukewas in the next room and knew everything.Since he was her neighbor, he only had to walk next door to get home, and he was leaving Franklin behind.Johnson , promise me that you will carry out exactly what we discussed.You shouldn't take any chances,'

He couldn't stop thinking about the boys when he got home.The two boys who vanished would have chosen to live by their own wits rather than pursue a pedophilia ring, so he had ruled it out.That irritated him.It was simply assumed by everyone that they no longer wanted to join his group.However, the boys had vanished, as revealed by background checks.The fact that no one was looking out for them kept him awake at night.