When it was over, Marlene called with a shaking voice.
“She wants to talk to you. Can you come?”
Garrett made his way across Oakland as quickly as he safely could.
Miss Holloway was waiting in the small living room when he arrived, Sadie and Marlene sitting on the couch across from her.
The caseworker studied Garrett as he entered, taking in the civilian clothes he had worn to the school board meeting, the way he immediately moved to stand protectively near Sadie and Marlene.
“Mr. Brennan, please sit down.”
Garrett sat.
“I’ve completed my investigation,” Miss Holloway said. “I’ve reviewed all the reports, interviewed all relevant parties, and examined the living situation thoroughly.”
She paused.
Garrett felt his heart stop.
“I’m closing the case.”
The words didn’t register at first.
“Closing the case?”
“There is no evidence of neglect, abuse, or endangerment. Sadie is thriving under her aunt’s care.”
“The apartment is clean and appropriate. All of her needs are being met.”
Miss Holloway’s expression softened slightly.
“As for your involvement, Mr. Brennan, I have to say that in 20 years of doing this job, I have rarely seen such overwhelming evidence of positive influence.”
She opened a folder and read from her notes.
“Your presence in Sadie’s life has coincided with marked improvement in her academic performance, social engagement, and emotional well-being.”
“Every person I interviewed, without exception, described your relationship with her as appropriate, supportive, and beneficial.”
Garrett felt Sadie’s small hand slip into his.
“In my professional opinion,” Miss Holloway continued, “removing you from Sadie’s life would be detrimental to her emotional development.”
“I am noting in my report that the concerns raised about your involvement appear to have been motivated by prejudice rather than evidence, and that any future complaints from the same source should be treated with appropriate skepticism.”
She closed the folder.
“I’m also noting that Sadie Mitchell demonstrated remarkable maturity, integrity, and strength of character during her interview.”
“She spoke about truth-telling and standing up for what’s right in a way that genuinely moved me.”
Miss Holloway looked at Sadie with something like respect.
“You’re an extraordinary young woman. Don’t ever let anyone convince you otherwise.”
Sadie nodded solemnly.
“I won’t.”
Miss Holloway stood to leave.
“One more thing, Mr. Brennan. I received a call this morning from the school board.”
“They’ve decided not to pursue any restrictions on your presence at school events.”
“Several board members specifically mentioned Miss Mitchell’s testimony as the deciding factor.”
She paused at the door.
“I should also mention that Mr. Ashworth has been formally cautioned about filing unfounded reports. Multiple complaints without merit can have serious consequences for the complainant.”
“I suspect his influence in this community will be somewhat diminished going forward.”
She extended her hand.
“You have good people in your corner. Take care of them.”
Garrett shook her hand.
“I will.”
After Miss Holloway left, the apartment was quiet for a long moment.
Then Sadie let out a whoop that could probably be heard three floors down.
“We won! We actually won!”
She threw her arms around Garrett, then around Marlene, then around Garrett again.
Marlene was crying and laughing, trying to say something but unable to get words past the emotion clogging her throat.
Garrett held them both, these two people who had become his family, and felt something he hadn’t felt in longer than he could remember.
Peace.
Real peace.
The peace of belonging somewhere, of mattering to someone, of having something worth protecting and knowing he had protected it.
“All the Tuesdays,” Sadie said, her voice muffled against his chest. “We still get all the Tuesdays, right?”
“All the Tuesdays,” Garrett confirmed. “For as long as you want them.”