Even if that's correct, that another bike was missing and the cops were told that Shawn's bike was missing, too, which led to them getting a good look at him but not recognizing him and not rescuing him, that MUST have cemented in his mind that cops would be no help.
Also, Devlin's boss at the pizza place said the neighborhood cops KNEW Devlin...he waited on them constantly and knew what they wanted to order even before they said it.
Imagine how Devlin could drive that point home to Shawn...I know the cops, they are my friends, they will believe what I tell them, they will not believe a kid like you, yada yada yada. If you say something bad about me, you'll be the one to get in trouble, not me.
And on and on it went...
Yeap. Just wanted to clarify so it didn't give the "Shawn should have done something, he must have liked it" crowd more ammunition.
It presents two different views. If Shawn called, then he could be "comfortable" there. If the police just happened upon his missing bike, and Devlin stood over him while he talked to the police, different outcome.
But, it definitely cemented Devlin's authority in Shawn's mind. One, the police didn't recognize him, or if they did, they accepted that he was supposed to be with Devlin. Two, Devlin could drive home the police were his pals, and would believve anything he said.
Kinda makes you wonder if Devil got the job at the pizza place right by the police station for a reason? And maybe he got the job at the funeral home for a reason too?