Ethan followed two steps behind her, carrying his school backpack by a single strap, his eyes on the porch boards.

I took one step up the wet stone riser, and Miller put his palm flat against my chest.

“Don’t make me put handcuffs on an officer, Commander.

Go on back to your vehicle.”

“He needs to get to school, Miller,” I said.

“He’s going to court,” Miller said quietly.

“The attorney set up a private ride.”

Ethan looked up over Evelyn’s shoulder for two seconds.