People stopped walking.
Several turned to watch.
Alex remembered something his mother had told him many times.
Keep your hands visible.
So he placed both hands where the officers could see them.
Two officers approached.
The taller one was Officer Grayson.
The other was Officer Perez.
Grayson looked toward Eleanor.
“Ma'am, you called?”
“Yes.”
“What seems to be the problem?”
“That boy.”
She pointed toward Alex.
“He's been sitting there for a long time.”
Grayson looked at Alex.
“Hey, son. Can you tell me what you're doing here?”
Alex swallowed.
“Waiting for my mom.”
“What's her name?”
“Laura.”
“Last name?”
“Davis.”
Perez stepped closer.
“Do you have identification?”
Alex shook his head.
“I'm fifteen.”
“Do you have your mother's phone number?”
“It's in my phone.”