“Every officer on shift contributed, David.”
Nathan’s face tightened. “Yes. I did.”
Emily rolled forward in her new chair, stopping right beside David. “And you better keep that guitar longer than twenty-four hours.”
David gave her a look. “No promises, Em.”
“David, I’m serious!” Emily said.
He laughed. “Okay, fine. I’ll keep it.”
Jillian set a hand on Nathan’s arm. He looked like a man trying very hard not to fall apart in front of a room full of people.
“Okay, fine. I’ll keep it.”
I stood there watching my son, officers by the wall, breakfast warm on the table, Emily in her new chair, while Nathan looked at David like he’d just been handed proof that goodness still existed.
And all I could think was this:
I had been terrified the police were here because my son had crossed a line. Instead, they came because he had reminded a room full of adults where the line should have been all along.
Later, after we got back home, I found him sitting on his bed with the new guitar across his lap.
He strummed once, softly.
“Well?” I asked, leaning on the doorframe.
He looked up. “It’s a really nice guitar, Mom.”
I stood there watching my son.
“That’s better than nice.”
He touched the strings like he still couldn’t believe it was his.
He didn’t look proud. He looked relieved.
