The atmosphere in their modest suburban home had shifted dramatically since Robert’s revelation. The walls that once radiated warmth and security now felt like the looming shadows of uncertainty and fear.
Max sat in his room, the familiar mess of skateboards, books, and posters unable to provide any comfort. He tossed his ball against the wall, the echoes of Robert’s confession still ringing in his ears. His father, once the proud businessman he had admired, had revealed a shocking world of crime just beneath the surface. The thought of human trafficking and illegal drug trades was grotesque, causing Max to feel unmoored. The image of his father’s face when he unloaded the secrets played over and over in his mind — a mix of shame, fear, and resignation.
“Max!” Claudia’s voice cut through his thoughts, tense and slightly strained. “We need to talk. The police called. They want you to meet with them.”
Max sighed, dragging himself off the bed. “Do I have to, Mom?” He didn’t want to relive his father’s mistakes all over again; he was just a kid trying to figure out his place in the world.
“I think it’s important. And you might have information that could help,” she insisted gently, though there was an urgency in her tone that he couldn’t ignore.
“Help?” Max scoffed. “Help with what? Dad’s the one who got us into this mess!” His voice cracked with frustration, and he felt a familiar wave of anger wash over him.
Claudia crossed her arms, her usually soft demeanor replaced by something firmer. “Your father made some terrible choices, yes. But he’s trying to make it right. We all need to help in whatever way we can.”
He rolled his eyes, ready to protest further, but the resolve in her gaze silenced him. Deep down, he understood that she was right, though accepting it was another matter altogether. He could see the toll this situation was taking on her; Claudia was strong, but this revelation had shaken her to the core.
“Fine,” Max muttered, dragging himself out of his room and down the stairs.
At the police department, the air buzzed with tension. Officers moved purposefully through the lobby, and Max felt the weight of the situation pressing down on him. He hadn’t once considered what being a part of this crime scene would mean for their lives.
They were ushered into a small conference room. An officer in his forties welcomed them. “Max, I’m Officer Talbot. Thank you for coming in today. I know this is overwhelming.”
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