When you win against your own child, you are handed a verdict against a person you made, and there is no column in which that reads as a triumph.

I kept my hands folded on the black folder and I let the judge finish, and I understood that I was watching the last of my son’s freedom end, and that I had chosen it, and that choosing it had been right, and that being right is not the same as being glad.

Chapter 21 — Referred

“I am referring these proceedings to the District Attorney’s office immediately,” Judge Merrion announced.

“Mr.

Bracken, your conduct will be reported to the State Bar before the end of the day.