“Well, I think you should always listen to your momma. But if you ever need an extra best friend, I’m here, too, okay?” “You won’t hurt us?” His eyes look up bravely as he asks this. “Never, buddy. I’m a protector.” “Like a cop?” he whispers, looking at me with fear in his eyes. “Yeah, kind of like the police.” I try to smile. This kid is smart. Only what he says and does next shocks me more than I could have ever expected. His eyes get bigger, and he takes a step back. “Police don’t keep you safe. They lie and hurt you.” And with that, he runs off to throw the ball to Nova. And that’s when I
...more
