“The state attorney decides whether to file charges, Brenda.”

“Don’t split legal hairs with me,” Brenda snapped, tapping her heavy gold rings on the glass partition by the waiting room door.

“Chloe tears up every time the doorbell rings because she thinks the police are coming back.

My daughter has a spot reserved in a dorm at the state university.”

“Chloe broke Toby’s arm in two places.”

“It was a family disagreement,” Brenda shouted, stepping closer.

“Our father spent forty years building a name in this county, and you’re trying to destroy it over a broken bone that’ll heal in six weeks.”