Nick was scared at first, going with the carload of teenagers because he didn't know what else to do. When he got to the beach, he was afraid they would tie him up or something, but they just joined in games and swimming with other people. Some kids perstered him to build a sand castle with them, and he decided to go along with being a kid for now.
In the meantime, Officer Pat Riley had found the abandoned patrol car and Nick's uniform on the ground. His ticket book was also on the ground, and had a half-completed ticket for speeding. With a license plate and car description. There was no blood, but Riley feared the worst and called in with a request for backup, and an owner check. Dustin's name and picture popped up on the display a few minutes later.
As the police and fire departments geared up for a search, Riley continued down the road. This particular route was popular for people heading for the beach. He rolled into the beach parking lot soon afterwards, and started checking plates. There! The right make and the matching plate number. He scanned the beach, tying to find the face of the owner, but it was impossible from here. After making sure he had the suspect car blocked in, he headed for the beach.
Nick had gotten into playing with the kids, going from sand castles to tag to just splashing around in the surf and looking for shells. He really was thinking like a kid, but as soon as he spotted his friend and fellow officer Pat walk onto the beach, he remembered everything. It was easy to figure out how Pat had located them. But if the officer confronted the boys, they were likely to change him, too. And Pat had a family!
He ran over to Pat, trying to intercept him before he spotted the driver. It ended up a tie - he got to Pat just as the officer walked up to Dustin, drying off from a swim. The officer pulled a gun, getting attention from everyone on the beach, including Tye, who was still in the water. "Sir. Keep your hands where I can see them, and do not make any sudden moves. I am taking you in for questioning in the disappearance of an officer."
Nick looked up at the officer. "Uh, Pat? It's OK. I'm right here."
Officer Riley frowned and started to shoo Nick away. "Please move aside, kid. This is police..." He stopped suddenly and stared. The kid knew his name? And... he knew this boy from years ago. He and Nick had grown up together. The gun wavered just as Tye showed up.
Nick looked at the boys. "Please, he's got kids and a wife and all. I don't. Leave him alone."
Tye grinned. "Well, why don't you explain everyhing to the officer? Whatever you say will be the truth, I promise."