My Parents Saw My Son And Knew

still see the parking lot. Gravel behind the county fairgrounds. His silver Buick with one mud flap missing. August heat so thick it felt chewed.

“He didn’t come alone,” I said.

Mom whispered, “Who was with him?”

“Your sheriff.”

Dad’s eyes shut for a second.

Sheriff Lou Baines had been one of Mercer’s loudest friends. Tailgates together. Fundraisers together.continue reading …