I snapped the cap back on my blue ink pen and slipped the signed restitution agreement into the court envelope.

The prosecutor had agreed to shelve the secondary criminal petition once the financial restoration papers were formally filed, and the legal work was done.

The next morning broke soft and bright over Oakridge.

At eight o’clock I stepped out onto the front porch with my stoneware mug full of morning coffee, stirred with two sugars and a generous splash of cream.

The morning air was cool and fresh and smelled of pine needles from the yard.