Fear - 46

A couple of days after giving Shawn the sketchpad, Gene came by the garage to pick him up for dinner. Not seeing him anywhere around, he went into Max's office.

"Where's Shawn gotten to? I was supposed to meet him here."

"Out back trying to make up his mind about something."

"What kind of something?" From the look on Max's face, Gene wasn't certain he wanted to know.

"The DA prosecuting Jared's case called an hour ago. It seems Jared wants to plea bargain down from first degree assault to second with no extenuating circumstances."

"Hell no!"

"That's what Shawn said too, at first. Then, according to him, the DA pointed out that Jared would still serve time and Shawn wouldn't have to face going back there because there wouldn't be a trial."

Gene's breath hissed through his teeth. "How long would he serve?"

"You'll have to ask Shawn. I didn't hear all of the conversation, just the first part."

Gene almost smiled for a second. "Your nosy gene didn't kick in?"

"It couldn't. Shawn walked out of the office before he finished talking to the DA. He only came back to return the phone then said he had to go outside and think."