Rage of Envy Chapter 25

A different version of how the boys and Kristin run into Rob

         Darrel leaned back against the picnic table and stretched. Kristin set her purse on the table and laid against Darrel's chest.

         It happened in a semi-blur. The boy grabbed Kristin's purse and took off running. Darrel ran after him, dropping Kristin in the grass. Kristin got up and ran after them. The boy was like a jackrabbit bounding over benches and small fences. Darrel was on his heels but Kristin lagged behind. She stooped over, her hands on her thighs, trying to catch her breath. She sat on a bench and calmed herself down.

         It wasn't too long before Darrel came back. He had the boy by the arm in one hand and Kristin's purse in the o ther. The boy was struggling and dragging his feet, trying to hit Darrel with his other hand.

         "What d you got to say for yourself?" asked Darrel.

         The boy was in blue jeans and a dirty white Tshirt. He was covered in dirt from his holey tennis shoes to his curly hair. He tried to run but Darrel caught him and knocked him back to the ground.

         "Darrel stop," said Kristin. She helped the boy up and dusted him off some. "How does someone get so dirty?"

         "Living on the streets." The boy wiped his nose on his arm. Kristin saw that he had been crying.

         "It's okay," said Kristin, "what's your name?"

         "Rob. Not Robert, or Robbie, or Bob. Just Rob."

         "Okay Rob. Why did you try to take my purse?"

         "I'm hungry."

         "There's no food in her purse," said Darrel.

         "No, but there might be money."

         "Well I can't leave you on the streets."

         Darrel rolled his eyes.

         "Great. You're going to take me to the cops."

         "I can't do that either."

         "Then what are you going to do?"

         "Don't say it...." said Darrel.

         "You will just have to come with us."