Tank and I shield our eyes and turn away.

An officer’s amplified voice tells us not to move.

We don’t.

I mean, not even Tank’s that stupid.

The two cops are large, muscular men who remind me of Marines. One is black, the other white. They walk up and ask us what we’re doing. Tank’s cocky about it and tells them we’re enjoying an evening stroll. The officers look at each other. The white one asks if we’ve been drinking. Tank tells him it’s none of his business. The officers look at each other again. The black cop asks if we’ve been throwing rocks at the apartments. Tank’s about to get smart for the third time, but I don’t let him.

“Yes,” I say, “we threw the rocks. It was stupid but we did it.”

“Shut up, Zach. My dad can get us out of this.”

“And who’s your dad, big guy?” White Cop asks.

“He’s got more power than you. Let’s put it that way.”

The cop looks down, shuffles his feet, and shakes his head. His body language makes it clear that Tank has totally crossed the line.

Black Cop says to me, “You know how many cars you damaged?” I shrug.

“Seven,” he says. “A couple of them brand-new.”

“Sorry.”

“You’re apologizing to the wrong guy.”

White Cop says, “How old are you two?” I tell him. “What are your names?” I give them. They look at each other when I mention Tank. “Where’d you get the alcohol?” White Cop asks.

How does he even know about that? I figure he must smell it on us.

So this is when I decide to lie, because although I’m quite pissed at Tank right now, he’s still my best friend.

“We had a guy buy it for us. We waited in Huey’s parking lot until we found somebody.”

“Stay here,” White Cop says.

They walk back to the cruiser and turn the spot back on us. The police radio crackles with static as they communicate with the dispatcher. A few neighbors watch from windows and porches. Great. This means all of Blaine will know by dawn, maybe sooner. In fact, somebody’s probably already sending the email. And if any video of this ends up online, I’ll be totally pissed.

“You better pray they let us go,” Tank whispers. “Why’d you tell them all that?”

“Look, they know, okay? The guy on the balcony saw us plain as day. Besides, you’re not exactly unknown in this city.”

“Still … Jesus, Zach, we’re totally screwed because of you.”

“Big deal. You should be thanking me for not telling them you stole the Jim Beam.” I pause. “Stop being a dick and they might give us a break.”