The police officer behind the desk looked at Alex with exasperation. "I told ya, kid, unless you're a family member, you can't report someone missing."

"But I'm the closest thing he's got! He ran away from home because he's gay!"

"Look, kid, I'd really like to help... " A handsome officer approached from behind and put his hand on the other cop's shoulder.

"Hey Virg, I got this. Why don't you grab a smoke?" The first officer grumbled as he stepped outside and the second officer sat down at the desk. "You'll have to forgive him,, we were on our way out when you came in. I'm Officer Fitzgerald. You say there's a gay kid missing?"

"Yeah, Officer, it's just awful. There was this whole thing at school and then his parents were just... he ran away and no one's seen him for days. He's a real gentle kid, he's hardly ready for sophomore year, let alone being out there. You gotta help me find him."

"I'd love to, but my partner was right, unless his parents have reported him missing... "

"But they're the problem!" Alex threw his hands up in frustration. "Why am I even wasting my breath? How could you possibly understand what us gay kids go through?"

"I understand better than you realize," Officer Fitzgerald said. "Let's just say, I've been where he's been. And it's not easy. I wish to God it was."

Alex was taken slightly aback. "Well then, if you understand, if you want to help, is there anything you can do?"

Officer Fitzgerald looked thoughtful for a moment. "Well, not officially. But if you've got a picture of him, I can keep an eye out. Maybe walk through some spots where teen runaways frequent."

"I've got one even better," Alex said, reaching into his messenger bag. "I made these fliers at school. I've been putting them up all around the neighborhood."

Officer Fitzgerald studied the flier for a moment. "He looks like a sweet kid."

"I hope he's ok."

"Like I said, I'll keep an eye out."

"Oh and Officer, there's a link to the Facebook page I set up for him at the bottom. Just message me through there."

Fitz watched the kid away and chuckled to himself. "Facebook," he thought. A far cry from when he played Hardy Boys with his brother when he was a kid.

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Just joining us? Catch up here:

Volume 1 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 2 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 3 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 4 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five

Volume 5 -
Week One, Week Two, Week Three, Week Four, Week Five


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