Chapter 17
Back in Texas, Arthur Vance watched the courtroom verdict broadcast live on his office television screen.
He clicked the remote control, turning off the television and turning his attention back to his grandson's drawing book on the desk.
Leo had drawn a picture of a large house, a golden retriever, and two stick figures standing side by side under a bright sun.
At the bottom of the page, Leo had scribbled in messy crayon letters: "Grandpa and Me."
Arthur smiled softly, running his calloused thumb over the crayon drawing with a profound sense of closure.
The menaces who had threatened his family were locked away behind iron bars where they belonged.
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His son was paying the ultimate price for his cowardice, wandering the streets as a forgotten ghost.
And little Leo was safe, smiling, and growing up under the protective shadow of the Vance name.
