With the county Sheriff’s Department.

And with a federal prosecutor — because embezzling a service member’s pay is a federal matter, and so is wire fraud, and the abuse and unlawful confinement of a sick adult are matters the state takes very seriously indeed.” I let that land.

“The deputies are pulling into the driveway right now.”

As if I had scripted it, red and blue light began to sweep across the front windows, and the wail of a siren rose in the quiet suburban street.

My mother’s composure collapsed.

She lunged around the island and grabbed my sleeve with both trembling hands.