Nowhere to Go by Casey Watson

told me with the court, but at the same time, had they really taken everything into consideration? Did they really understand just how difficult a childhood Tyler had had? Was still having – because I didn’t see an end to it.
    ‘I know it seems that way, Casey,’ John tried to soothe. ‘But, honestly, they do have all the same information we have …’
    ‘Not that
I
have,’ I pointed out, waggling the rolled-up statement, which would very soon be going into my log. Even if I could only name and shame her there, it would be something.
    ‘Which we do need to talk about, I know,’ he said. ‘Because it’s important.’
    He didn’t know quite how important yet, though, because we’d not had a chance to even talk about it yet, not really.
    ‘He’s made some worrying disclosures, John,’ I said.
    ‘I know,’ he answered, nodding. ‘As you said. But as far as what’s happened here is concerned,’ he went on, ‘a supervision order is probably par for the course. Whatever he’s told you – and I don’t doubt he’s telling the truth – he still took a knife to the woman, and he needs to know what the repercussions of such an action are. And actually, a supervision order is no bad thing for a boy of his age. He’s young enough that it might frighten him, rather than antagonise him, which it might if he was older, plus it will give him another confidant, another outlet, another interested adult to whom he can talk about the past – and, hopefully, see his future a little more clearly.’
    ‘Speaking of which,’ I said, ‘what happens now about resuming contact? From what I’ve seen – not to mention heard – we’re not in the best possible place.’
    ‘I know,’ John said again, frowning. But, look, there’s Mike and Tyler coming back. Shall I call you later today? Early evening or something? Decide upon some sort of strategy? I have to dash now. Will will be outside – mustn’t miss my lift.’
    I agreed that was a plan, and then Tyler was back with us again, and someone else seemed to be on his way over – his father.
    I nudged Mike. This was the first time we’d seen him or heard him. He wasn’t asked to speak in court – another thing that had needled me somewhat; why? – and all we’d seen of him so far was the back of his head.
    ‘Dad!’ Tyler called as he approached, running to greet him, while beyond him I could see his wife standing by the coffee machine, holding a paper cup of something and staring right back at me. I gave her a tight smile and turned towards her husband.
    ‘All right, Ty?’ he said. I remembered his name was Gareth. He looked to be in his mid-thirties, and was tanned, presumably from working at sea. He leaned forward slightly and gave his son a quick pat on the head. They both had the same mop of dark wavy hair. ‘I hope you’re being good for Mr and Mrs Watson,’ he added, glancing at us. He then held a hand out. Mike shook it and smiled.
    ‘I have, Dad, I promise,’ Tyler said, while his father shook my hand. ‘When am I coming home now? Will it be soon?’
    Incredibly, to my mind, Tyler’s father actually glanced back at his wife before answering. Why would he do that? She wasn’t even in earshot.
    ‘Not just yet, son,’ he said finally, looking profoundly uncomfortable. ‘Got to let the dust settle. Let things calm down a bit, yeah? Licia’s still a bit shook up by it all.’
    I chewed the inside of my cheek to stop myself saying something I might wish I hadn’t.
Licia
? There was something about the deferential way he said her name that made me cringe. And definitely something about the whole sorry scenario that made me want to do something more definite than pull a face. This was his child he was talking about. All four foot eleven of him. Hadn’t he already just been punished by the court?
    And I clearly wasn’t the only one who felt rattled. I could almost feel Tyler bristling beside me. He had already followed his father’s gaze to