Page 105 of Proof

“Oh sure.” He pulled out a walkie-talkie. “Do you guys use these, too?”

“Sometimes.” Chris smiled.

“Marshal Gaines is here for Carter,” the kid said into the device, trying to be as official as possible.

“He’ll be right over,” a scratchy voice replied.

“Thanks,” said the teen into the walkie-talkie. Then he turned back to Chris and asked, “So, do you have a gun, too?”

“Most law enforcement officers do.”

“You got it on you now?”

“I can’t say.” He gave the kid a nod and leaned in. “That’s classified information.”

“Gotcha,” the kid whispered back.

Carter came running from the barracks-style building with his backpack and a baseball bat. “Dad!”

“Hey, buddy!” Carter gave him a side hug. “How ya doing?”

“Great!”

“You ready?”

“Yes, sir.”

Chris leaned over to the young man at the table and put out his hand. “Nice to meet you. Keep up the good work.”

“Aye, aye, sir!” he said, and saluted.

Chris stashed Carter’s gear in the back of his truck. “Listen, I have kind of a surprise for you.”

“You’re going to marry Luna?” Carter said, his eyes eager.

Chris laughed out loud. “I haven’t asked her yet.”

“Then what’s the surprise?”

“Remember I went to that car show, and I told you that I’d like to get a classic car and fix it up?”

“Yep!”

“Ready to go look at our new project?”

“Heck yeah!”

Chris started the engine and began the hour-long trip to Stillwell Center. Carter chatted up a storm about camp, what he’d learned, and the new friends he’d made. He was one very happy young man. They talked about the upcoming appointment with the psychiatrist, and Chris explained about the preliminary hearing.

“Gotcha,” Carter responded. “I’m ready, Dad.”

Chris knew he was.

* * *

When they arrived at Stillwell, there was laughter in the air. Lots of hugs, smiles, and kisses, including a mushy one between Luna and Chris. “Get a room, Dad,” Carter joked.

More laughter ensued. “Shall we take a look at your new project?” Cullen asked.