I turned toward him.
“How do you know?”
“Because I followed him there.”
Evan snapped around.
“You what?”
Cal shrugged.
“You’d already tried giving me money twice.”
“You followed me?”
“I walked behind you.”
“That’s following!”
“I got tired after three blocks and took the bus.”
Despite everything, Mr. Alvarez rubbed a hand over his face like he was trying not to laugh.
I wasn’t.
I folded the map.
“Get your backpack.”
Evan’s eyes widened.
“Why?”
“We’re going to the tire shop.”
“No.”
“Evan.”
“Mom, please.”
The word sounded different this time.
Not defiant.
Scared.
I looked at him.
“What am I going to find?”
His face tightened.
“Nothing.”
Cal groaned.
I handed the paycheck to Mr. Alvarez.
“Hold this for me.”
He nodded.
“I’ve been trying to make him keep it anyway.”
Evan yanked his backpack from the floor.
“I hate all of you.”
