The people that are suppose to protect him, the school, are against him for all the wrong reasons though it isn't a surprise. The police aren't much better. If he had been able to tell them what happened, show them the chain and ankle cuff, the window he crawled out of, the injuries it might have helped but I can understand why he didn't or couldn't bring himself to do so. I'm happy his father is dead now. I would guess James got his locker combo from the girl when she was watching over his shoulder. I'm curious about the smoke bombs and how or if it will be connected to anything in future chapters. You are a great writer!!