Page 65 of Obeying

He doesn't speak for fifteen seconds. I count.

His voice is rough when he does. "Logan."

"Dad."

"I said things I shouldn't have last time. Things I didn't mean. Your mother and I, we want what's best for you. We've seen what happens in these hearings. What happens after. We don't want you suffering for a battle that isn't yours to fight."

"I—"

"I know," he cuts in. "I know why you're doing it. I heard you the last time. I just…" He sighs. "I just didn't listen. I wanted to protect the name, but I didn't consider that you also do. That your way may be different from mine."

A phone rings on their end and there's shuffling, then my mother's voice gets farther.

"I want to ask you something," he continues, "and I want you to be honest with me. Do you know what you're doing?"

"Yes," I manage.

"Are you being careful?"

"Yes."

"Do you believe you're doing the right thing?"

"I do."

He's quiet for a second. "Then I trust you. We raised you to have good judgment, and I'm not going to second-guess it now."

Something lifts from my chest.

"And Logan?"

"Yes?" My voice feels heavy.

"I'm sorry."

I blink rapidly. It's suddenly hot in here, and my eyes are irritated. Kristen's pepper spray did real damage.

I want to say okay, but there's something in my throat. Despite the lump, I feel lighter. I grip the phone tighter.

"Show that panel what a Maxwell can do. That girl is lucky to have you on her side."

I think about her face when she held the files earlier. Her eyes were bright and sharp. Her chin raised. Her shoulders back.

"No, I'm lucky to have her on my side."

"Hmmm. Okay."

I nod, even though he won't see it. I'm sorry. Not I'm sorry that I'm standing my ground. Not I'm sorry that I have good reasons. Just I'm sorry.

"Dad?"

"Yes, Logan?"

"Thank you."

Something tells me he is smiling on the other side.

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