A Night in the Cells

Written for https://fivedotoh.com/2023/05/08/fowc-with-fandango-police/

‘You called the police on me?’

‘Yes I did, you threw our neighbours bin across his garden, nearly breaking his window.’

‘I don’t want to be here. You are not really leaving me in the cell? Please Dad, I am sorry. I didn’t mean to do it. My mates dared me, and I didn’t want to lose face.’

Steven shook his head, and walked out of the cell. A wink to his friend, it wouldn’t take much for his son to change his mind. Twelve years old, the last two of them had been difficult. Every time he got into trouble, it was smoothed over. Not this time.

He needed to know the consequences.

‘Dad! I won’t do it again.’

‘No, you won’t and don’t think you will get away with not helping Mr Smith clearing the mess in his garden.

It helped when you knew the custody officer, he was in no danger. But a night in the cells was more than being alone all night. He made sure his friend, an undercover officer in vice, was there to make sure he was terrified to make a move. All tattoos and bravado. Hammering on the wall, it didn’t help the other side, was used as a drunk holding cell.

He would learn, just because he was the son of a police officer, it didn’t mean he would get away with murdering his neighbours plants. Yes, it was partly due to the dare, his mates told him to do, but that didn’t mean he wasn’t any less culpable.

The use of mobile phones, was worrying. There was a vulnerability about them, using an electronic device, which was in essence, a mini computer. It wasn’t just that – anyone could be anyone. He had seen enough of the drug’s squad, to see just how much they were used.

‘Dad! Please! I won’t do it again!’