It takes a far stronger man to hold a weapon and set it down than to raise it, and my father set his down that day in front of me, and in doing so he taught me the last and best thing he ever taught me: that the point was never to become powerful enough to destroy the people who hurt us.

The point was to become strong enough not to have to.

Chapter 13 — Under Arrest

Detective Torres stepped forward and drew Trent’s wrist behind his back, and the first cuff closed with a sound I will remember with something like peace for the rest of my life.

“Trent Beaumont, you’re under arrest for felony domestic battery, aggravated assault, and witness intimidation.” “Get your hands off me!” he screamed, thrashing as the second cuff clicked.

“I’m a Beaumont!