“The court date’s eight days away, Commander,” Bradley called over the idling engine.

“I’d suggest you spend that time updating your military reassignment paperwork.”

“The hearing’s on November fourteenth,” I said, staying put on the bench.

“And by November fifteenth, Ethan will have a court-appointed guardian who actually lives in this county,” Bradley said, raising the window again before the car slid off into the evening traffic.

I got up from the bench and adjusted my watch strap, pulling the leather one notch tighter around my wrist.

I walked three blocks back to the edge of Pine Street just as the streetlights blinked on along the curb.