Ruby, Between the Cracks

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chapter 2

drop cap rUBY AWOKE DISORIENTED, IN a fog. She rolled over and almost fell on the floor. Steadying herself, Ruby opened her eyes and looked around. She was at home, sleeping on the couch. She sat up slowly and looked around. It still smelled the same. Stale cooking, cigarette smoke, sweat, dirty shoes tumbled around the back of the door.

ā€œRubyā€™s home,ā€ Chloe called out. Ruby turned and looked at her.

ā€œHi, Chloā€™.ā€

ā€œHi, Ruby. Whatā€™cha doinā€™ here?ā€

Ruby shrugged. Chloe walked into the kitchen, out of sight. Their mom came down the stairs.

ā€œWhat did you say, Chloe?ā€ She saw Ruby. ā€œOh. Youā€™re here. What time did you get here?ā€

ā€œI dunno. Two, threeā€¦ā€

ā€œWhy? Your foster family kick you out?ā€

ā€œNo. I was just out too late. They lock me out after midnight.ā€

ā€œWell, you shouldnā€™t be coming back here. You should be going back to your foster family before midnight. Does your social worker know youā€™re staying out late?ā€

ā€œSometimes.ā€

ā€œIā€™m going to call him,ā€ her mother warned.

ā€œOkay,ā€ Ruby said, shrugging.

ā€œGo have breakfast with Chloe. I want to talk to you before you leave. Okay?ā€

ā€œYeah.ā€

Ruby got up and went into the kitchen. Chloe was eating a bowl of cereal. Ruby poured a cup of coffee for herself.

ā€œCoffeeā€™s bad for you,ā€ Chloe pointed out.

ā€œI donā€™t want to get fat,ā€ Ruby countered.

ā€œYouā€™re not fat.ā€

ā€œI plan on keeping it that way,ā€ Ruby agreed.

ā€œYou still shouldnā€™t do it.ā€

June and Justin came into the kitchen, and Chloe got bowls out for them. Chloe was dirty blond, with shoulder length hair. The twins both had dark hair and round faces.

ā€œHow old are they now?ā€ Ruby questioned.

ā€œWeā€™re six,ā€ June answered, for herself.

ā€œI remember when they were born,ā€ Ruby told Chloe.

ā€œWere you here?ā€ Chloe questioned.

ā€œMmmā€¦ yeah. When they were born, I was.ā€

ā€œYou must have left right after.ā€

ā€œYeah. Pretty much. Whereā€™s Ronnie?ā€ Ruby looked around for their other sister.

ā€œFoster family,ā€ Chloe advised.

ā€œRonnie too? When did that happen?ā€

ā€œCouple weeks ago.ā€

ā€œWhy?ā€

ā€œShe wanted to. Sheā€™s been getting into trouble from Mom and at school and all, and she thought it would be fun.ā€

ā€œReally? I never would have thought sheā€™d have the guts. So why are you still here?ā€

ā€œI get along with Mom and Dad,ā€ Chloe said loftily. ā€œIā€™m responsible.ā€

ā€œWell, I guess every family gets one. Itā€™s your funeral.ā€

ā€œItā€™s my life,ā€ Chloe corrected primly.

Rubyā€™s mom walked in.

ā€œYou have an appointment with your social worker today.ā€

ā€œWhen?ā€

ā€œTen. If you leave now, you can still get the bus.ā€

ā€œOkay. See you around.ā€

ā€œBye.ā€

ā€œBye, Chloā€™.ā€

Ruby did make the bus, and wondered on her way to the Social Services office if she should actually bother to go or not. But her mom might follow up to see if she was there or not.

Ruby didnā€™t have to wait long at the Social Services reception area before the woman showed her in for her appointment. Ruby had enough time to grab another cup of coffee, but not long enough to browse through the newest magazine on the side table, which happened to be a good six months old.

ā€œHello, Ruby,ā€ her social worker greeted without looking away from his computer.

Ruby sat down in the chair in front of his desk.

ā€œHi, Chuck,ā€ she crooned.

ā€œMr. Samuels here, Ruby. You know that,ā€ Chuck insisted his eyes darting around to make sure that no one had heard.

Ruby just grinned. Other foster kids called their social workers by the first name, but it made Chuck really nervous. Ruby kind of liked to see him get flustered over her.

ā€œSo why did your mom call me today?ā€ he asked, frowning down at the pink message slip on the desk.

ā€œYou werenā€™t around last night, and I couldnā€™t find any of the friends I stay over with, so I went home.ā€ Ruby shrugged, and leaned her chair back, looking up at the ceiling. ā€œI told her my foster family locks me out after midnight.ā€

ā€œYou could go to one of the shelters,ā€ he pointed out.

ā€œThey do lock their doors at midnight.ā€

ā€œIf you canā€™t find one of your friends before eleven,ā€ Chuck said, wording his statement carefully. ā€œYou arenā€™t going to see them.ā€

ā€œI know. But I donā€™t like the shelters. Theyā€™re justā€¦ gross.ā€

ā€œWell, I donā€™t think your mom minds you staying there every now and then. I just donā€™t want her to start asking questions about your foster family. So donā€™t do it too often,ā€ he warned.

ā€œItā€™s been at least a month since I was there last.ā€

ā€œOkay,ā€ Chuck approved, nodding.

Ruby let the front legs of her chair drop back to the floor with a thump.

ā€œYou know what?ā€ Ruby offered. ā€œMy little sister Ronnieā€™s in foster care now.ā€

ā€œI know.ā€

ā€œYou know?ā€ Ruby was surprised. ā€œWhy didnā€™t you tell me?ā€

ā€œClient privilege. That information is confidential.ā€

ā€œClient? Does that mean that youā€™re her social worker too?ā€

ā€œIā€™ve been trying to get her file. I think I would be more effective, already knowing the background sheā€™s coming from.ā€

ā€œHuh. That would be cool, hey? Having both of us? And you could arrange for us to meet, couldnā€™t you? If sheā€™s not at home anymore, I can see her, right?ā€ Ruby pressed.

ā€œYes, you could probably meet. Iā€™ll see if I can arrange a ā€˜reunionā€™ for the two of you. Saturday?ā€

ā€œYeah. That would be great. I canā€™t believe Ronnieā€™s in foster care! She wasnā€™t ever a black sheep like me.ā€ Ruby laughed. She released her hair from the pony tail elastic, and ran her fingers through the length of her hair, toying with it.

ā€œWell, everyone has their own set of problems,ā€ Chuck observed.

ā€œWhy did she leave?ā€

ā€œThatā€™s confidential. You know Iā€™m not allowed to tell you things like that.ā€

ā€œItā€™s not like I donā€™t know the ā€˜family situation.’ā€

ā€œItā€™s still not allowed. And I imagine there are things going on that you donā€™t have any idea about. Itā€™s been quite a while since you lived there.ā€

ā€œYeah. Well, Ronnie can tell me on Saturday.ā€

ā€œRight. Well, is there anything else we need to discuss?ā€

Ruby massaged her scalp, and then pulled her hair back through the elastic again.

ā€œJust whether Iā€™ll see you tonight,ā€ she said lowly.

ā€œHush. Iā€™ll try, but you keep your mouth shut, all right?ā€

ā€œI know,ā€ Ruby said with a smile. ā€œYou just keep me happy, and I wonā€™t say a word.ā€

Chuck frowned, looking at her. He took out his appointment book and looked at it.

ā€œNine oā€™clock,ā€ he said shortly, and put his book back away.

Ruby smiled.

ā€œNine it is. Youā€™d better be there.ā€

He nodded. Ruby stood up.

ā€œBye then, Mr. Samuels,ā€ Ruby said demurely.

ā€œGood-bye, Ruby.ā€

Ruby waited excitedly for her meeting with Ronnie. She had arrived early so that there was no way theyā€™d miss each other. Ruby and Ronnie had never been close at home. They were five years apart in age, so Ronnie had hardly been more than a baby when Ruby first went into foster care. Now Ronnie was eight, and theyā€™d really never had a conversation of more than a couple minutes in length. But with Ronnie leaving the family and going into foster care, Ruby suddenly had a longing to become close to her sister. For the first time, she felt like she had something in common with someone in her family.

It seemed like hours before Chuckā€™s car pulled into the parking lot. Ruby stood up and waved at them. Ronnie looked different than she expected. When Ruby had left the family, sheā€™d been wild and rebellious, and made herself appear a lot older than she really was. But Ronnie was the same little girl Ruby remembered. She didnā€™t look any older or more mature. You could tell she was with a foster family instead of at home, because she had on designer pants and a blouse instead of cutā€”offs and a tank top. If anything, the clothes made her seem even younger, like a little girl going to her first day of school. Her thick brown hair was carefully braided into two pigtails, with ribbons around them. She looked like a doll, not Rubyā€™s sister.

Ronnie submitted to being hugged, but didnā€™t hug Ruby back. She looked uncomfortable. Ronnie sat down on the bench of the picnic table where Ruby had been waiting for them. Chuck looked hesitant, like he didnā€™t know whether to join them or go back to his car. Ruby motioned him away, and he went back and sat in the car.

ā€œSo how come you didnā€™t tell me you were in foster care now?ā€ Ruby demanded.

ā€œI donā€™t exactly have your phone number,ā€ Ronnie pointed out.

ā€œYou could have told your social worker; they would have got in touch with me.ā€

Ronnie shrugged.

ā€œSo is Chuck your social worker now?ā€ Ruby questioned.

ā€œWho?ā€

ā€œMr. Samuels,ā€ Ruby corrected quickly, realizing her mistake.

ā€œI guess so. Heā€™s the one who picked me up.ā€

ā€œYouā€™ll like him. Heā€™s cool.ā€

ā€œYeah, okay.ā€

ā€œSo why did you leave? Just get tired of Mom and Dad getting on your case?ā€

ā€œI guess,ā€ Ronnie avoided her eyes.

Ruby sat down, moving in close.

ā€œWell, then, why?ā€ she persisted. ā€œYou can tell me. Itā€™s not exactly like Iā€™m gonna tattle to Mom. Or Social Services.ā€

Ronnie shrugged, looking down at the grass. She dug a hole with her toe.

ā€œRonnie?ā€

ā€œRubyā€¦ā€

ā€œYeah?ā€

ā€œDo you like your foster family?ā€

ā€œYeah, I love my foster family,ā€ Ruby said briskly. ā€œWhy?ā€

ā€œNo, I meanā€”do you really like them? Better than Mom and Dad?ā€

Ruby studied her little sister, trying to see where she was going.

ā€œI donā€™t know. Theyā€™re different,ā€ she was floundering, ā€œI guess I like them a different way.ā€

Ronnie looked relieved.

ā€œYeah, just different,ā€ she agreed.

ā€œAre they okay? If you donā€™t have a good family, Mr. Samuels can move you.ā€

ā€œNo, I like them.ā€ Ronnie was silent for a few minutes. ā€œRubyā€¦ have you ever thought about what it would be like to be adopted?ā€

Ruby sat on the bench beside Ronnie.

ā€œAdopted? By someone else? No.ā€

ā€œThe family youā€™re withā€”have you been with them since you left?ā€

ā€œNo.ā€

ā€œHow long?ā€

ā€œUmā€”a year,ā€ Ruby invented.

ā€œWould you like them to adopt you?ā€

ā€œNo,ā€ Ruby said firmly. Ronnie nodded. ā€œWhy, are they talking about adopting you?ā€

Ronnie nodded again. Ruby understood. Ronnieā€™s carefully braided hair and cute schoolgirl outfit, they were all part of a foster family trying to mold her into a daughter that they could adopt.

ā€œYouā€™ve only been there two weeks, and theyā€™re talking adoption?ā€ she questioned in disbelief.

ā€œUh-huh.ā€

ā€œTheyā€™re not supposed to do that. Theyā€™re supposed to be working for reunification!ā€

ā€œIā€™m not going back home.ā€

ā€œI know that, and you know that, but the systemā€”they donā€™t know that. They try to bring families back together. It doesnā€™t mean anything; just that foster parents arenā€™t usually allowed to adopt.ā€

ā€œSo they canā€™t?ā€

ā€œThey might be able to, but not for quite a while.ā€

ā€œOh.ā€

ā€œItā€™s all rightā€”itā€™s not like theyā€™re going to send you back home. But no oneā€™s going to adopt you. Not for a few years.ā€

Ronnie was silent for a while.

ā€œWhy did you decide not to stay with Mom and Dad?ā€ she questioned.

Ruby thought back. It was a long time ago now. She hardly remembered the reasons; the restrictions put on her. She could remember being deeply unhappy, trapped, and angry. She remembered feeling desperately alone in a houseful of people. When Mom and Dad had started talking about having her taken out of the family, it had been such a relief. Getting out of there had been such a relief. The foster families she had gone to had been better, most of them less constricting, but she still didnā€™t have what she needed. Now she was really on her own, making her own choices. When she could, she stayed with Chuck. If she couldnā€™t be with Chuck, she would try to stay with one of her other friends. Foster care was really not for her. She wanted more freedom than that.

ā€œI donā€™t know, Ronnie. I just couldnā€™t stay there anymore. I felt like I was being strangled,ā€ she explained.

ā€œBy Dad?ā€ Ronnie questioned.

ā€œNo, more by Mom.ā€

ā€œMomā€™s okayā€¦ā€

ā€œWe never really got along. She wished I was never born.ā€

ā€œWhy?ā€ Ronnie questioned, shocked.

ā€œWell, she and Dad broke up, you know. Then she found out she was pregnant with me, so they got back together again and got married. So whenever sheā€™s unhappy about the way things turned outā€”itā€™s my fault.ā€

ā€œI didnā€™t know that,ā€ Ronnie said, wide-eyed.

ā€œYeah. Well, you werenā€™t exactly around to know what was going on while I was there,ā€ Ruby pointed out with a shrug.

ā€œI donā€™t think Mom hates you.ā€

ā€œNo, she just doesnā€™t like having me around.ā€ Ruby thought about it and shook her head. ā€œBut you donā€™t get along with Dad? How come? He never really was around much when I was there.ā€

ā€œI dunno. We just donā€™tā€¦ get along so good.ā€

ā€œWell, he canā€™t shout at you or anything now. You like your foster folks okay?ā€

ā€œYeah, theyā€™re nice,ā€ Ronnie agreed.

ā€œWhatā€™s your phone number? Can I call you?ā€

Ronnie gave her the phone number.

ā€œWhat about yours?ā€

ā€œOh, Iā€™m not there very often. You just call Mr. Samuels, and he can usually get a hold of me.ā€

Chuck had gotten out of the car and was coming towards them.

ā€œWhy arenā€™t you usually with your foster family?ā€ Ronnie asked, puzzled.

Ruby hesitated.

ā€œWeā€™ll talk again later. Maybe next week. But if you need anything, you find me, okay?ā€

ā€œOkay.ā€

Chuck reached them.

ā€œYou guys have a good talk?ā€

Both girls nodded.

ā€œRonnie, why donā€™t you go back to the car. I just want to talk to Ruby for a minute.ā€

Ronnie walked away from them. Ruby watched her make her way back to the car and get in.

ā€œWhy did she leave?ā€ Ruby questioned.

ā€œIf she didnā€™t tell you, I donā€™t think itā€™s my place.ā€

ā€œWell, I have some information that might interest you, as her social worker.ā€

ā€œWhat?ā€

ā€œYou tell me why she left, and Iā€™ll tell you what I know,ā€ Ruby bargained.

Chuck sighed.

ā€œDonā€™t play these games with me, Ruby. If thereā€™s something I should know about Ronnie, youā€™d better tell me.ā€

Ruby considered.

ā€œShe doesnā€™t want to be removed from the family, though, so thatā€™s not why Iā€™m telling you.ā€

ā€œWhat, then?ā€ he said, tilting his head to the side, waiting.

ā€œTheyā€™re talking about adopting her.ā€

ā€œWhat?ā€ Chuckā€™s voice came out in a yelp.

Ruby nodded.

ā€œShe wants to stay with themā€”but tell them to lay off a bit. Sheā€™s confused; she doesnā€™t know what to think.ā€

Chuck nodded.

ā€œIā€™ll tell them, all right,ā€ he agreed. ā€œWould you be interested in being placed in the same foster family as Ronnie? I havenā€™t asked them if they would take you, but theyā€™ve looked after sibling groups before.ā€

Ruby shook her head resolutely.

ā€œI donā€™t want another foster family.ā€

ā€œWell, think about it. It would give you a chance to spend some time with a family member without being with your parents.ā€

Ruby shrugged uncomfortably.

ā€œWeā€™ll just stick to visits for now.ā€

Chuck nodded.

ā€œOkay. Iā€™ll see you later.ā€

They couldnā€™t exactly kiss goodbye, with Ronnie watching out the window. Chuck touched Ruby on the arm and gave her a little smile, then returned to the car.

Ruby ran into Mike at the arcade late in the afternoon. Although she considered herself too mature to have ā€œa crushā€ on any boy, she had to admit that even just the sound of Mikeā€™s voice gave her goose bumps. She had never met another man who made her feel like that.

ā€œHey, itā€™s Ruby,ā€ he said from behind her, putting his arms around her. Ruby forgot her game and turned around in his embrace.

ā€œMike!ā€

ā€œHi, baby.ā€

He was handsome, smooth and cool as ice. He was tall and slim, and wore the jacket of the Jaguars, a local gang. His hair was dark and lank, his eyes brilliant blue. Sharp, prominent cheekbones. If he was with one of the boys from his gang, he paid no attention to her, but on the rare days that he was alone, he treated her like she was the only person in the world.

ā€œYou looking for some company?ā€ Ruby questioned, snuggling close.

ā€œAre you free?ā€

ā€œYeah, always.ā€

ā€œLetā€™s go back to my place.ā€

Ruby nodded eagerly and went with him. Mike took out a couple of joints as they left the arcade.

ā€œSmoke?ā€

ā€œSure, thanks.ā€

She took the joint, and he lit it for her. Rubyā€™s heart was beating quickly, and she wondered if Mike could tell she was breathing faster. He turned on the TV as soon as they walked in the door of the apartment. Ruby got a couple of beers out of the fridge for them, and they cuddled up on the couch.

Chuck pulled up in front of the bar. One of the ladies walked up to the car.

ā€œOh, hi, there. Looking for Ruby?ā€ she questioned.

ā€œWhere is she?ā€ he demanded.

ā€œI havenā€™t seen her tonight. Anyone seen Ruby?ā€ she looked around at the other hookers. They all shrugged or shook their heads. Chuck looked at his watch and took an impatient glance up and down the street.

ā€œWhere is she? I canā€™t sit around here waiting for her.ā€

ā€œMaybe she has other plans tonight,ā€ the girl suggested.

ā€œLike what?ā€ Chuck snapped irritably. He looked at his watch again, and pulled away.

Monique grinned, enjoying seeing Chuck frustrated and disappointed instead of Ruby for once.

ā€œGood for you, Ruby,ā€ she said under her breath. ā€œYou show him whoā€™s the boss of this relationship.ā€

Ruby turned over again and cuddled closer to Mike. She was cold, almost shivering. They must have been having trouble with the buildingā€™s boiler. Mike didnā€™t seem to notice the temperature. Ruby tried to tuck her feet under his legs to warm them up, but he shifted and moved away in his sleep. Ruby curled up in a ball. There was a noise in the hall outside the apartment, and she strained her ears trying to hear what it was. There were voices, but it was late for anyone to be out. Ruby sat up. It sounded like the voices were right outside the apartment door.

There was a crash. Ruby jumped, and so did Mike, beside her.

ā€œWhat was that?ā€ he hissed, sitting up and fumbling on the bedside table, knocking things off. There was a blinding light in Rubyā€™s eyes; she couldnā€™t open them. She covered her eyes with her hand.

ā€œGet your hands up, Mikey!ā€ a harsh voice screamed. Ruby tried to squint through her fingers to see what was going on. All that she could see was the light pointing at her eyes. She tried to shade her eyes from the light and turned aside to look at Mike. He was frozen, one hand on the nightstand, grasping for a gun that he must have knocked to the floor. He was as white as the sheet on the bed, his eyes wild.

ā€œMikey, Mikeyā€¦ Didnā€™t you hear me? I said get your hands up!ā€ the voice screamed.

Mike slowly raised his hands. The light divided in two and one of the lights moved towards them. Mike started to lower his hands.

ā€œKeepā€™em still,ā€ the voice warned. He approached on Rubyā€™s side of the bed. Ruby cowered back, trying to avoid him. She could just barely see his outline, his shadow, behind the light. He reached towards her. Ruby tried to avoid his grasp. He wrapped his fingers around her long, blond hair and jerked her towards him. Ruby winced in pain and couldnā€™t resist.

ā€œThis your girlfriend? Sheā€™s very cute.ā€

ā€œLeave her alone,ā€ Mike said shakily.

The hand in her hair jerked again, hard. Ruby choked back a cry. The light that the man was holding went out. Then there was a gun pressing against her temple. Ruby held her breath and tried not to blink her eyes, hoping that she wouldnā€™t cry.

ā€œHowā€™d you like us to kill her, Mikey?ā€ the voice taunted. ā€œWhat do you think of that?ā€

Mike swore quietly.

ā€œPleaseā€¦ā€

The hand let go of her hair. He sat on the edge of the bed, running his hand provocatively down the smooth skin of Rubyā€™s neck and shoulder.

ā€œMmm, I could spend some time here.ā€

Mike swore angrily and lunged for him. There was an explosion. Ruby yelped and closed her eyes. Her ears rang and her face burned. When she opened her eyes again, the light was no longer shining directly on her eyes, but was playing over the bed. Mike was laying across her, still. Blood was splattered everywhere.

ā€œHe dead?ā€ a different voice questioned.

The man who was closest to Ruby leaned across her to check Mike for a pulse.

ā€œYep,ā€ he sat back up and touched Ruby briefly. ā€œWhat do you think of that, baby?ā€

ā€œWhat a waste,ā€ the other voice said. ā€œWell, weā€™d better blow before the cops show up. What are you going to do about her?ā€

ā€œHmm. No time for what Iā€™d like to do. Are you going to keep your mouth shut, sweetie? ā€™cause if youā€™re not, weā€™ll settle this now.ā€

Ruby tried to answer. There was a lump in her throat, and she couldnā€™t speak. She nodded a bit, and covered her eyes.

ā€œGood. ā€™cause I will find you if you talk.ā€

He bent over and picked up her knapsack.

ā€œThis is yours?ā€

Ruby could see him through the cracks in her fingers. She nodded again. He unzipped the front pocket and found her wallet. He looked through it, and nodded, throwing the contents on the floor.

ā€œIā€™ll look you up,ā€ he promised, and he and his friend walked out of the room. Ruby cuddled up and held Mike close.

Holt was one of the first ones to the scene. They had a few brief words with the neighbors who had called in. Then they entered the apartment with their guns drawn and a shouted warning of ā€œpolice!ā€ Holt groped for a switch and flipped on the lights as they went in. The bedroom was a mess. There was blood everywhere. After clearing the apartment, Holt holstered his gun and leaned over to check that the couple in the bed were both dead. The boy was lifeless. The girl, however, flinched away when he touched her throat to check for a pulse.

ā€œGet an ambulance,ā€ Holt told Jarislow.

Jarislow nodded and stepped out of the room to make the call. Holt tried to separate the couple and examine the girl. She jumped every time his fingers brushed her skin. He finally got the two of them untwined.

ā€œItā€™s all right,ā€ he said softly to the girl. ā€œItā€™s okay; everything is all right. Youā€™re safe. Are you hurt?ā€

The girl shook her head, her hands covering her face. She was splattered and smeared with blood. She was very young.

ā€œCan you tell me what happened?ā€ Holt asked. She shook her head. Holt gently tugged her hands away from her face. There was an ugly bullet-path across her forehead. He took her radial pulse. It was strong. Her eyes were wide and staring.

ā€œAre you okay?ā€ he questioned. She couldnā€™t answer. Holt turned his head to speak to Jarislow.

ā€œGet me a wet cloth.ā€

Jarislow nodded and ducked into the bathroom. He came out with a towel and handed it to Holt. He carefully dabbed at the black and red mark across her head. She didnā€™t seem to feel it.

ā€œItā€™s just a powder burn,ā€ Jarislow observed, watching.

ā€œYes,ā€ Holt agreed with relief. He glanced around the room, analyzing the scene. ā€œThere was only one shot reportedā€¦ the shooter must have been standing here. One bullet got them both.ā€

ā€œSheā€™s lucky.ā€

ā€œYeah. Homicide on the way?ā€

ā€œSomeone will be here any minute.ā€

ā€œSee if you can find a blanket or coat or something.ā€

Holt picked up the girlā€™s clothes from the floor.

ā€œLetā€™s get you dressed, all right? So you can warm up a bit.ā€

She had goose bumps, and she was shivering. Even fully dressed and with a jacket, Holt found the room chilly. The girlā€™s movements were slow and clumsy, but Holt guided her hands into the shirt and helped pull on her blue jean cut-offs. Jarislow came in with a dark jacket.

ā€œThis is all I could find. The closets are pretty bare.ā€

Holt took the jacket and turned it around to look at the logo on the back.

ā€œOur vicā€™s a Jaguar. Things have been pretty hot with the Jags and other gangs lately.ā€ Holt pulled the girl gently to her feet. Her knees buckled. Holt put his arm around her and tried to get her steadied on her feet. Jarislow went over to the bed.

ā€œWho is he?ā€ he questioned. ā€œI know a lot of the Jagā€™s by sight.ā€ He turned the boy over, and gagged, covering his mouth and turning quickly away. Holt glanced over, his emotions shut off. He hadnā€™t looked at the boy before, except to make sure that he was dead. His face had been taken off by a soft-nosed bullet. There was no way they could recognize him now. The girl moaned, wilting, and Holt took her into the bathroom. He held her up against the sink, splashing water on her face to keep her conscious.

ā€œCome on, stay with me, here. None of that.ā€

She shuddered and started to come back to herself. Holt heard the homicide officers come into the bedroom. He slowly let go of the girl.

ā€œAre you okay? Can you stand here a minute?ā€

She stayed steady, and he stepped out into the bedroom.

ā€œYou moved him?ā€ one of the homicide cops questioned.

ā€œThe girl moved him. We had to shift him to get the two of them apart.ā€

ā€œThe girl? Where was she?ā€

ā€œBeside him.ā€

ā€œHas she told you anything?ā€

ā€œNo. Sheā€™s scared. And hurt. Hasnā€™t said a peep.ā€

The homicide officer studied the scene carefully. He looked closely at the wall and the bed sheets.

ā€œThey werenā€™t asleep.ā€

ā€œI donā€™t expect so. Iā€™d probably wake up when someone kicked the door in. His gunā€™s on the floor. Must not have had it under the pillow.ā€

ā€œDangerous if youā€™re sleeping with someone else. I want to talk to this girl. Put her in the kitchen with a hot coffee and see if it gets rid of the shakes.ā€

ā€œIā€™ll give it a try.ā€

Holt went back into the bathroom and found the girl hunched over on the floor, in the corner by the grungy shower.

ā€œOh, no. Come on. Letā€™s go have a nice hot drink. Come on.ā€

He pulled her to her feet again and half-carried her into the kitchen. He settled her in a chair.

ā€œThere, you just sit there, and Iā€™ll get you a coffee. Lots of sugar.ā€

He talked gently to her as he started the water boiling. There was only instant coffee, but it would work. A couple of paramedics came in.

ā€œHi, do you guys want to check her over? Iā€™m getting her a coffee. Youā€™ve got blankets with you, donā€™t you?ā€

ā€œSure.ā€

ā€œSheā€™s cold.ā€

One of the medics stayed to check her over, and the other one went back out to the hallway to take a blanket off the stretcher. The water started boiling, and Holt sloshed some into a cup with some crystals and stirred in a couple of spoons full of sugar. The paramedic gave it to the girl, helping to steady her shaking hands. They wrapped the blanket around her. The medic continued to examine the girl while she drank.

ā€œIs she going to be okay?ā€ Holt questioned.

ā€œWe should take her to the hospital. Sheā€™s shockie. She should be kept under observation.ā€

ā€œCan we keep her for just a few more minutes?ā€

ā€œSure. Not too long.ā€

ā€œIā€™ll be right back, then.ā€

Holt went back into the bedroom. He motioned to the homicide cop.

ā€œDetective Merrill? If you want to try the girl now?ā€

ā€œThanks.ā€

Merrill followed him into the kitchen. He sat down across the table from the girl.

ā€œHi there, honey. You feeling a little bit better?ā€

She shrugged, not looking up at him.

ā€œWhatā€™s your name?ā€

She mumbled something.

ā€œWhat?ā€

ā€œRuby.ā€

ā€œHi, Ruby. Iā€™m Merrill, okay? How long have you been here tonight?ā€

She sank further into the blanket, pulling it close.

ā€œI donā€™t know,ā€ she said in a hoarse whisper.

ā€œDid you just meet the boy tonight?ā€

ā€œNo.ā€

ā€œYou guys know each other?ā€

ā€œUh-huh.ā€

ā€œSpend the day together?ā€

Ruby nodded.

ā€œPart of it,ā€ she acknowledged.

ā€œYou want another coffee?ā€

She nodded at gave him her cup. Holt took it and put the kettle back on the burner.

ā€œCan you tell me who came in here tonight?ā€

Ruby shook her head.

ā€œHow many were there?ā€

Ruby put her head down and didnā€™t answer, pulling the blanket tightly around her.

ā€œDid they threaten you?ā€ Merrill questioned.

Ruby didnā€™t respond.

ā€œOf course they threatened you. And probably scared the heck out of you. Did they know who you are?ā€

She didnā€™t answer.

ā€œHer ID is on the floor in the bedroom,ā€ Holt contributed.

ā€œSo he found out your name and address, and he told you that if you said anything, heā€™d kill you.ā€

Ruby stayed quiet. She shook her head and closed her eyes.

ā€œI think we should get her to the hospital,ā€ one of the medics advised.

Merrill nodded.

ā€œWe can catch up again later. We need to call your parents, Ruby. Whatā€™s your phone number?ā€

She stirred herself slightly, clearing her throat.

ā€œNot my parentsā€”my social worker.ā€

ā€œOkay. Whatā€™s the number?ā€

Ruby gave it to him. Then she left with the medics to go the hospital. Holt went back into the bedroom.

ā€œJarislow. Come on, letā€™s follow the girl to the hospital. Weā€™ll call her social worker on the way.ā€

ā€œDo you want me to bring her bag?ā€

ā€œYeah. Letā€™s take a look first, though.ā€

Jarislow brought the bag into the kitchen and emptied the contents onto the table. The two of them sorted through her stuff, and Holt nodded and they repacked. They headed to the hospital.

The phone trilled loudly, waking Chuck Samuels from a sound sleep. He fumbled for the receiver, swearing. He knocked the phone down, then picked it up, pulling the cord until he reached the receiver, and put it to his ear.

ā€œHello?ā€ he growled. His heart was racing from the rude awakening.

ā€œIs this Charles Samuels?ā€ an official sounding voice questioned on the other end.

ā€œYeah,ā€ he snuffled and rubbed his eyes. ā€œWhoā€™s this?ā€

ā€œMy name is Holt. Youā€™re Ruby Simpsonā€™s social worker?ā€

Chuck sat up straight.

ā€œRuby?ā€ he repeated. ā€œYesā€”whatā€™s wrong?ā€

ā€œRubyā€™s been in a small accident. She gave us your number.ā€

ā€œYes. Where are you?ā€

ā€œAt the General.ā€

ā€œSheā€™s okay?ā€

ā€œSheā€™s just under observation. I would appreciate it, though, if you could get in contact with someone who could sit with her,ā€ Holt suggested.

ā€œIā€™ll come down myself.ā€

ā€œIā€™ll see you when you get here, then.ā€

Holt saw the nurse motion a man in their direction, and he stood up. They walked towards each other.

ā€œHolt?ā€

ā€œYou must be Mr. Samuels.ā€

ā€œYeah. Howā€™s Ruby? What happened?ā€

ā€œShe was spending the night with a friend. Intruders came into the apartment, and her friend was shot in the scuffle.ā€

ā€œShot,ā€ he said in disbelief, ā€œand Ruby was hurt?ā€

ā€œShe only has some minor scrapes. Itā€™s more the scare than anything. Sheā€™s pretty confused.ā€

ā€œCan I talk with her?ā€

ā€œI think that would be a good idea.ā€

Holt took Samuels in to see Ruby. Jarislow was sitting by the bed, and he stood up and moved back when Holt and Samuels entered. Samuels nodded to Jarislow and sat down in the visitor chair. He leaned close to Ruby, touching her arm.

ā€œRubyā€¦ā€ he said softly.

She opened her eyes.

ā€œChuck.ā€

ā€œWhat happened, Ruby?ā€

ā€œChuck?ā€

ā€œThe officer said you stayed at a friendā€™s. Where did you stay, Ruby?ā€

ā€œMikeā€™sā€¦ā€ she said in a distant voice, ā€œI was at Mikeā€™s.ā€

ā€œWhoā€™s Mike?ā€

ā€œI been seeing him for a whileā€¦ā€

ā€œWhat happened?ā€

ā€œThey came inā€¦ā€ her eyes searched his face. ā€œThey held the gun at my head.ā€ He squeezed her hand as they stared at each other and she tried to get the words out properly. ā€œThey shot Mikeā€¦ā€

Samuels swore.

ā€œYou must have been scared out of your wits, you poor kid.ā€ He stroked the bandage on her head, his fingers light. ā€œAre you okay?ā€

ā€œThey shot Mike,ā€ she repeated.

ā€œI know, Ruby. Did you see who it was?ā€

ā€œThey put a gun against my head,ā€ she repeated touching the bandage.

Samuels held both of Rubyā€™s hands, trying to comfort her, to give her strength.

ā€œItā€™s okay, Ruby. Itā€™ll be okay. Itā€™s over.ā€

She held his hand to her face, closing her eyes. Samuels sat with her until he figured she was falling asleep. He pulled his hand away slowly and carefully so as not to disturb her. He got up quietly to talk to Holt.

ā€œWho is this guy she was staying with?ā€ he questioned.

ā€œHeā€™s in a gang. We suspect that the killing was gang-related.ā€

Samuels shook his head.

ā€œShe should know better. She should have been home with her foster family.ā€

ā€œAre you sure sheā€™s still with her foster family?ā€ Holt countered.

Samuels looked startled.

ā€œWhat? Why do you ask?ā€

ā€œHer knapsack. Why would a kid in a foster family need anything more than she could put in a purse? She has full changes of clothing and other overnight items. I suspect sheā€™s living on the street.ā€

ā€œWellā€¦ Thatā€™s serious. Iā€™ll have to look into it.ā€

ā€œA girl her age should not be out on her own. If she is, this wonā€™t be the last time she gets mixed up in something like this.ā€

Samuels nodded.

ā€œI completely agree. Iā€™ll contact her foster family and find out whatā€™s going on. I know that she was staying out late some nights, but living on the streetā€”thatā€™s another story. Has she said anything to you? About what happened?ā€

ā€œNo. She wasnā€™t able to tell us anything. She didnā€™t even say anything about them holding the gun to her head. About all she managed to get out was her name.ā€

ā€œHow could someone do that to her?ā€ Samuels said, shaking his head. ā€œSheā€™s such a sweet kid.ā€

ā€œSheā€™s lucky they didnā€™t kill her too. Most of the bangers I know wouldnā€™t have hesitated to shoot all witnesses.ā€

ā€œThatā€™s horribleā€¦ā€ Nothing was said for a few awkward moments. ā€œDo you deal much with the gangs?ā€

ā€œSomewhat.ā€

ā€œRuby doesnā€™t hang around with them much, does she? You havenā€™t seen her with them before?ā€

ā€œNot that I remember. There arenā€™t a lot of girls in with the gangs around here.ā€

ā€œI hope thatā€™s not what she spends her time doing.ā€

ā€œSheā€™s not in school?ā€

ā€œSheā€™s absent a lot. Sheā€™s not very academic.ā€

ā€œFrom the sounds of things, I think she needs a lot more supervision than sheā€™s getting,ā€ Holt suggested, eyes narrowed.

ā€œI may have to recommend a different foster family for her,ā€ Samuels said.

ā€œI suspect so.ā€

ā€œI appreciate you being here tonight. Rubyā€™s a good kid, and Iā€™m glad you were there to look out for her, and not someone who would have been rough with her, being involved in a gang shooting.ā€

ā€œI can see sheā€™s basically a good kid. Iā€™d like to see her settled in with a family for a few more years yet.ā€

ā€œShe really shouldnā€™t be on her own like this,ā€ Samuels agreed.

Holt nodded.

ā€œWell, weā€™ll leave her with you tonight. We will need to talk to her about this whole thing again. The homicide officers will probably want to see her tomorrow after theyā€™ve been over the scene a little more carefully. Ruby should be up to it; I would think. Should they contact you?ā€

ā€œYes,ā€ Samuels took out a business card. ā€œThereā€™s my daytime number. Give me a call.ā€

ā€œThanks. Someone will.ā€

Holt stepped back into the hospital stall and motioned to Jarislow. They headed back to their car.

ā€œNow thereā€™s a social worker who really cares about his kids,ā€ Jarislow commented.

ā€œYesā€¦ā€ Holt agreed, ā€œhe seemed very attached to Ruby.ā€

I hope you enjoyed this sample of

Ruby, Between the Cracks

By P.D. Workman

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