Then left.
Lillian remained at the table.
For a long time, she stared toward the front door.
The dinner she'd prepared sat untouched on the stove.
Nia reached Coopersville shortly after nine.
Isaiah was sitting in a small waiting area with Chief Deputy Redd nearby.
He had been released, but he chose to remain in the secure public area while coordinating transportation and ensuring the necessary paperwork was complete.
When Nia entered, she spotted him immediately.
Her expression changed.
She crossed the room.
Then stopped in front of him.
For a moment, she simply looked at his face.
The redness on his cheek had faded, but she could still see signs of the impact.
Her eyes filled.
"Oh, Isaiah."
He stood.
Then she embraced him.
He held her tightly.
For several seconds, neither spoke.
Then Nia pulled back.
"Let me see your wrists."
Isaiah almost laughed.
"You're not on duty."
She gave him a sharp look.
"Don't start."
He raised his hands.
She examined the marks, then looked toward his face.
"Did somebody assess these?"
"Yes."
"And did you tell them about the slap?"
"Yes."
Nia nodded.
For a moment, she seemed satisfied.
Then her expression hardened.
"Where's the sheriff?"
Isaiah gently touched her arm.
"Nia."
She looked toward him.
He shook his head.
"Not tonight."
For several seconds, she stared.
Then her anger softened.
She took another breath.
"Okay."
Isaiah looked toward Redd.
The chief deputy approached and explained the current status of the vehicle and records.
Nia listened carefully.
She wasn't interested in arguing with him.
She wanted to understand what happened and what her brother needed next.
Afterward, she thanked Redd for helping resolve the custody issue.
Then guided Isaiah toward the parking lot.
Outside, the night air was warm.
He stopped beside her car.
For a moment, he looked toward the dark county building.
Then whispered.
"I've spent twenty-two years coming back from places where I expected danger."
Nia looked toward him.
He continued.
"I didn't expect this on the way home."
Her eyes filled.
She reached for his hand.
Then said quietly.
"Come on, big brother."
He nodded.
And they drove toward Mobile.
Lillian was waiting on the porch when Nia's car pulled into the driveway.
The house looked exactly as Isaiah remembered.
The pale-yellow exterior.
The narrow front steps.
And the two large pecan trees Samuel had planted when the children were young.
A porch light illuminated Lillian's silver hair and the floral dress she wore on warm evenings.
Isaiah stepped out of the passenger seat.
For several seconds, he stood motionless.