“I’m pursuing criminal accountability under the law.

I’m not selling my son’s injury for a financial settlement.”

Sarah nodded slowly, took the signed document, and stamped it with the official state seal.

“The preliminary plea hearing is set for next Tuesday at ten o’clock,” Sarah said.

“You won’t need to appear in court.”

“Thank you, Prosecutor Jenkins,” I said, standing up to leave.

By seven o’clock that evening, the rain had stopped, leaving the sky dark and clear over Pinecrest.

I unlocked the front door of our new three-bedroom house on Maple Street.