“It was a matter of family discipline,” he said.

“The boy needs to learn that there are consequences for lying.

He needs to learn integrity.” I did not answer that immediately, because I did not trust myself to.

Into the silence, Officer Torres stepped forward, notepad in hand.

“Mr.

Vance,” she said, “I’m going to need you to step outside.

We are opening an investigation into child endangerment and abandonment.”

Arthur turned on her with the reflexive contempt of a man used to making officials disappear.