Girl Forgotten by April Henry

Author:April Henry [Henry, April]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Little, Brown Books for Young Readers
Published: 2023-03-27T16:00:00+00:00

CHAPTER TWENTY-EIGHT

TIGHT-KNIT

Wednesday, September 30

RECORDING STAR WAS ONE thing. She was eager to talk about Layla. And because I spend nearly an hour with her every weekday, I felt comfortable around Mrs. Wharton. But it’s hard to imagine it being the same with Officer Balboa, especially once I start asking questions about the exact nature of his relationship to Layla.

I’ve had some experience with cops. Lots of them came into the Over Easy. Maybe that’s why they took what happened with my mom so personally. I know that cops like to sit with their backs against the wall. They’re always alert, paying particular attention to hands. They’re not chatty. The rare times they joke, the humor is as dark and bitter as a pot of coffee forgotten on the burner.

And while some are happy to accept a free meal, others will insist on paying—and leave an excellent tip.

For a few days, I debate how to approach Officer Balboa. I’m guessing he won’t want to be taped. Google says that in Oregon, it’s legal to record your phone conversations, but in-person conversations require everyone’s consent. But if I call him, he’ll just suggest we meet in his office. Even if he does agree to taping, once I mention Layla, that might end the interview. But what if I approach it sideways?

Wednesday, I skip the cafeteria during lunch period and head to his office. When I peep through the half-open door, he’s reading the Firview Times. A partially eaten sub rests on top of a paper bag.

When I knock on the door frame, Officer Balboa gets to his feet. “Come in.”

At my old school, the resource officer dressed in street clothes. But Officer Balboa is in full uniform, navy blue so dark it’s almost black. He’s got one of those square bodies that could be made of muscle, fat, or both. On his left hip is a Taser and on his right, a gun.

“I’m Piper Gray.”

He gives me a look up and down, taking in my white polyester shirt with stylized flowers, my gray pants with a fly that buttons on the outside. “I know who you are.”

“Oh.” I feel off-balance. Does he know about my mom? Or has he listened to the podcast?

“I make it a point to know every student.” He sits and gestures for me to take the chair facing his desk. “We’re a tight-knit community.”

I forge ahead. “I was wondering if I could interview you for a few minutes. I’m doing a podcast for my senior passion project, and I’m interesting in learning more about North’s antidrug program.”

None of this is technically a lie.

“Antidrug, huh?” he echoes, and by the way he says it, I know he knows about my mom. “Good choice. Do you want to do that now? Or do I need to prepare something?”

“Now would be great.” The last thing I want is for Officer Balboa to be prepared.

“What’s all this for?” he asks as I set everything up on top of his desk.

“A podcast is just sound.

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