The call comes at 1:17 a.m.
My phone vibrates against the nightstand, and I sit up instantly.
Unknown number.
Marcus is already awake.
“Answer it,” he says quietly.
I swipe.
“Hello?”
“Is this Bella Chen?” A male voice. Calm. Official.
“Yes.”
“This is Officer Delaney with Boston Police. We have a minor in custody who listed this number as emergency contact. Zara Chen.”
My stomach drops.
“What happened?”
“She was picked up at a house party in Allston. Underage drinking. No charges yet, but we need a guardian to collect her.”
“We’re on our way.”
I hang up and grab clothes without thinking.
Marcus is already pulling on jeans.
“She okay?”
“She’s at the station. Underage drinking.”
He exhales sharply.
“We knew this was coming.”
“Knowing doesn’t make it easier.”
We’re out the
