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“I told him it’s the first girlie one I’ve ever owned.”
“Oh now, I protest,” Jack said. “I know your mom, and she’s all that’s a girlie girl. Surely she dressed you in pink when you were little.”
“It was the flowers on everything that I struggled with.”
“Yeah, Luke struggled with that.”
They laughed, and the tension at the table eased a bit. They ate, finished their coffee, and then it was time to head to the police station, and she felt the tension again.
“Text me when you’re ready to go,” Quinn said when they were standing outside.
“Come in with us. Nixon likes you, and you know what’s going on,” Luke said. “Please,” he added.
She looked at the others, and they nodded in support of what Luke had said.
“If you’re sure.”
“We are.” Luke wrapped his long fingers around her wrist and towed her into the police station. Sheriff Dans was waiting for them in reception and led them to the same room they’d sat in yesterday.
So she sat and waited with them for the door to open. Mr. Buchanan arrived first, looking stern, which Quinn thought was likely his usual expression.
“Good morning.” Joe rose to shake his hand. The others did the same.
“I need to apologize for yesterday,” Luke said. “I was raised like Nixon, and I’m afraid some of that clouded my judgement yesterday.”
“I understand.”
Mr. Buchanan’s expression didn’t change or soften, but Quinn just bet he’d seen children suffering like the Trainer brothers before. He sat and unzipped his case.
“I have spoken to all the numbers you gave me yesterday, Mr. Howard. Each had exemplary things to say about the Trainer family. The mayor of Ryker Falls talked for some time about what they have done in the town.”
Mayor Gripper was well known for his love of talking.
“The DNA test results prove Nixon is related to you.”
The brothers exhaled.
“I will let him return with you because he has told me he wants to. But I will be visiting Ryker Falls to check on him in the coming week. I will contact a case worker closer to Ryker Falls, and she will be keeping an eye on Nixon.”
The Trainer brothers all nodded.
“A court date will be set for the guardian hearing, and you will be notified.”
“We’ll be there,” Joe said.
Mr. Buchanan handed out a sheaf of papers, which Dylan took. He then handed over his card.
“Should you need anything, do not hesitate to call me. Contrary to what you think, my single focus was always to ensure that Nixon is happy.”
“We know,” Jack said.
“I will go and get Nixon. I have his things waiting for you outside.”
Mr. Buchanan rose and left the room. Minutes later, he returned with Nixon. He wore the jacket Quinn had got him, and the beanie. She saw the nervous glances he sent his brothers and Dylan. His hair hung over his eyes, which were focused on his sneakers.
“Hey, Nixon.” His brothers got up and greeted him.
“You know what’s going on?” Luke asked him.
