Ortega looked at Brenda and me.

“With parental permission and supervision, yes.

But not until they are medically cleared and the volunteer plan is approved.”

We both said we would consider it.

For Gavin, who listened from a chair with his leg elevated, that possibility was enough to make him smile.

Toby did not smile immediately.

He looked as though he were learning that a good cause did not erase a bad choice, but that the choice also did not have to erase the cause.

PART 16