dad must have been patrolling the neighborhood in his squad car , because even as peter staggered to his feet-a hand cupped over his eye , blinking back tears as he felt the side of his face begin to throb-dad had the kid by the shoulders , steering him calmly over to the car , where he must have given him a good scare , because after a moment james grabbed his backpack , mumbled an apology , and darted off in the direction of his house , white-faced and trembling .