My Brother, My Wife, and Their Son novel · Chapter 15 of 24

Chapter 15: The Cough

Colby saw us and lifted a hand in greeting.

"Cedric. Good, you're here. I'd rather do this properly."

Maisie went behind my leg without being told.

The teacher in the green scarf was already at the gate, and beside her stood a man in a tie who had to be the principal.

Colby turned to them and held the letter out.

"I'm Maisie's uncle. Her grandmother has authorized me to take her for the day. It's notarized."

The principal unfolded it.

I could read the bottom from where I stood.

My mother's signature was there, and beside it a round blue stamp.

I knew whose stamp it was before I read the name.

"My father notarized that," I said. "From Ohio. Without Maisie's parents."

"Her grandparents have rights," Colby said gently.

"They have none here. The county looked at that and closed it on Saturday."

"Looked at what?"

"The report your mother phoned in, with your video."

Colby's smile stayed in place, but his eyes went to the principal.

"I don't know what he's talking about. Cedric is under a great deal of strain. There's an investigation, I'm afraid, and I'm only trying to protect a child."

"The investigation is closed, sir," the teacher said.

"Is it?"

"The county phoned the school this morning."

Colby looked at her for a moment.

Then he looked down at his son.

"Jasper, buddy. Do it now."

Jasper stood very still with his paper bag in his hand.

"Do it," Colby said, under his breath.

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