Free Something Like Thunder by Jay Bell

when I had a bunch of tacks in my backpack for a school presentation, he must have opened the box and dumped them out, because the next time I reached in—” Nathaniel’s fingers twitched at the memory. “There was never any proof, but these things always happened after I got him in trouble with our parents. So I stopped telling them.”
    Mr. Hubbard’s expression was sympathetic. “Sounds to me that matters have escalated beyond a missing toy or a mean-spirited prank.”
    “I guess so.”
    “I would be happy to talk to your parents with you. Or even on your behalf.”
    Nathaniel shook his head. “What are they going to do? Ground him? Kick him out of the house? Neither of those things will stop him from getting back at me. He’ll find a way, believe me, and when he does it’ll be far worse than what I go through now.”
    “Then perhaps we should contact the police.”
    Nathaniel’s head whipped up. “No! Think about my mother! One of her sons putting the other in jail? That would kill her. How long would they hold him anyway? Eventually he’ll be free to get back at me. I just need to stay out of his way. Soon it’ll all be okay. Dwight was supposed to go to college last year. I thought I’d be free of him then. Doesn’t matter because when I graduate, I’m definitely going to college. Somewhere far away. Dwight hates me, but not enough to travel across state lines just to punch me around.”
    Mr. Hubbard’s brow was furrowed. “I don’t feel comfortable with this. I really think we should talk to someone.”
    “I’ll deny everything,” Nathaniel threatened. “I’m sorry, but I will.”
    Mr. Hubbard considered this. Then he rubbed his mouth and mustache, stood to walk around his desk, and took a seat. Once there, he seemed lost in thought.
    Nathaniel watched him, heart pounding, hoping that he hadn’t made a major mistake. “I just need to avoid him. This job you gave me already helps. The less time I’m home, the better. Dwight got a job recently too. Everything will be fine. Honestly.”
    Mr. Hubbard nodded reluctantly. “I’ll respect your wishes. I hope you know that you can always turn to me if you need help.”
    “I know that now,” Nathaniel said. “Thank you.”
    Mr. Hubbard nodded again, still not looking pleased. Eventually he sighed and leaned back in his chair. “Spring break is coming up. We’re taking a family trip. Camping, if this good weather continues. If not, there’s always the cabin. Why don’t you come with us? Give yourself a break by getting away. Besides, I enjoy your company. I know Caesar does too.”
    Nathaniel wasn’t sure about that last bit, but the offer had his chest feeling tight, his eyes a little teary. He blinked, hoping Mr. Hubbard hadn’t noticed. Then, not trusting his own voice, he simply nodded. Nathaniel had always wanted help. He just never expected to get it.

 
     
    Chapter Three
     
    Pine needles, most of them dark green bristles, some more vibrant where they had freshly burst forth in this new spring. The rest were brown, carpeting the ground, absorbing sound underfoot and preserving the silence. No roar of a distant highway, no airplanes buzzing overhead. The Hubbards had driven him four hours away from Houston and now, so detached from civilization, Nathaniel felt safer than he had in years. These woods were his sanctuary.
    Behind him… that’s where things became complicated. He glanced back, making sure Caesar was keeping up. Every time Nathaniel looked over his shoulder, Caesar flashed him a reassuring smile before quickly averting his eyes, usually down to the path. Awkward as hell, but still enough to whip Nathaniel’s hormones into a frenzy because he found the guy adorable. If only he wasn’t so difficult to penetrate.
    Nathaniel allowed himself a covert smile at the double meaning as they continued their hike. This was Mr. Hubbard’s idea. During the drive, his eyes kept shining at them in the rearview mirror, as if they