Sargent Molinsons' intercom crackled.
"Sarge? There is a Mr. Belden here to see you."
Molinson groaned as he thought to himself, "Just what I need today when the temperature is already over 100. I don't have any idea what Trixie is up to now, but it can't be good if Peter is here to see me." He pressed the call button and answered his officer, "Ok, send Mr. Belden in."
Sarge leaned back in his chair and waited for his visitor. When he saw the shadow on the door pane, he nearly lost his balance in surprise. This was too short for Peter, or Brian or even Mart.
The door opened and Sarge watched as his visitor approached the desk, head down and staring at the floor. The young man was strangely dressed. In addition to the shorts and a tee-shirt worn for comfort, he also had a knitted scarf tied around his neck. Sarge had a moment of panic and then relaxed. No, this isn't that bad. If he was cutting or doing drugs he would have his arms covered up, not his neck. Still, he had turned 15 in January and was working hard to convince his parents that he was ready to get is his learners permit soon. Hmm, young Robert was primed to follow in Trixie's footsteps, so there was no telling what was coming.
Bobby took a deep breath and said, "Sarge, I have a problem. A big problem."
Bobby started untying the scarf. "I finally convinced Mom to let me get my learners permit since Trixie and Mart are both home and can take turns being the adult driver in the car with me. I am supposed to get my picture taken today for my learners permit, but Trixie says it looks like I have been strangled. She says the Department of Public Safety won't take my picture because the bruises aren't permanent and my driver's license picture wouldn't be an accurate representation of my likeness.
Bobby started untying the scarf. "I finally convinced Mom to let me get my learners permit since Trixie and Mart are both home and can take turns being the adult driver in the car with me. I am supposed to get my picture taken today for my learners permit, but Trixie says it looks like I have been strangled. She says the Department of Public Safety won't take my picture because the bruises aren't permanent and my driver's license picture wouldn't be an accurate representation of my likeness.
"She also told me it would be illegal to cover the marks with powder or any sort of makeup. Not that I WANT to put on makeup, but it took forever to convince Moms to let me get my permit today! If I'm not allowed to cover them up today, I don't know how long it will take to convince her all over again!"
Sarge shook his head. Should he throw Trixie under the bus and let Bobby know that he could still get his picture taken, or should he let the boy take his lumps.
Looks like Helen and Peter never knew how good they had it with Brian and Honey, Mart and Diana, and Trixie and Jim.
Who knew there could be so many hickies on one neck?
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