to that same rehearsed softness.
“Eli, is it? Your mother is being very brave. Sometimes grown ups have to sign papers to keep their families safe. Wouldn’t you want her to keep you safe?”
Something ugly rose in my throat.
“Don’t talk to my son.”
“Wouldn’t you want her to keep you safe?”
“I apologize.”
He straightened up.
The pen was still held out toward continue reading …