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“What did you hear?” I asked carefully, my stomach dipping.
“Some of the kids are saying he broke into the stores in town. He stole from people.”
“He’s charged with doing those things.” We’d discussed the case when I first came to get him, but he hadn’t brought it up since.
“Did he?”
“I don’t know where the truth lies. Only your father can tell you that.” I just wasn’t sure if we could count on him to tell the truth. Austin had a knack for smoothing over it to get what he wanted.
“He’s in jail, so he must be guilty.”
“That’s not how the legal system works. He was arrested and charged with breaking and entering. He has a court hearing coming up soon. That’s probably why people are talking about it.” I wasn’t sure how much to explain, how much he could understand or process, so I fed him little pieces at a time.
His gaze flew to mine. “Everyone knows?”
“It’s in the news.”
His mouth dropped open. “It is?”
My jaw tightened. “That’s right. A few stores were damaged, money taken. It’s a concern for the town, the shops, and the tourists.”
The sentiment was the locals wanted the case solved and put behind them. That way, they could smooth things over and tell their customers they had nothing to worry about.
“He’s going to jail for a long time.” Brody’s voice was small, defeated.
“I don’t know. But if he did something wrong, then he needs to face the consequences.”
“But what about me?”
“I’ve got you. I’m not going anywhere. I talked to an attorney about custody last week. I’m filing paperwork to name me as your permanent guardian.” I’d never been in any kind of trouble. He could count on me.
Brody was quiet, and I wasn’t sure what to say to reassure him.
“If he did it, then he should go to jail.”
“It’s okay not to feel the same way your classmates do. For them and their parents, it’s black and white, but for you—”
“He’s just my dad.”
“And I know you want him here with you.”
Brody shifted on the stool.
“Are you feeling conflicted about everything?” I wasn’t sure how to put it into words.
“I like living with you.”
“I like it too. Are you feeling guilty about that?”
“A little. Should I want Dad home?”
“There’s nothing wrong about how you’re feeling. You can tell me.”
Brody nodded.
“It’s okay to feel good. It’s okay to be happy. What your father did has nothing to do with you.” And as usual had everything to do with his self-centered ways.
“Do the kids know he’s your father?”
