“Then let a judge decide what the line is worth.” Arthur tapped the page twice.

“The offer stands until Thursday morning.”

Thomas reached up and pulled the strap of his heavy leather watch one notch tighter, then let his hand drop back onto the table.

“I built half the porches on that street,” he said.

“People know who I am.”

Mark folded the plea sheet once and tucked it into his coat pocket.

The CPS center on Monroe had a craft table low enough for a child’s knees and a single tall window that let in the afternoon light.

Emily Miller drew with her whole arm, pressing so hard the brown crayon skipped.