"Sir, there was a permit dispute."
Thomas looked toward the pavilion.
"That is for investigators to examine."
Walsh shifted.
"The father became argumentative."
Thomas said nothing.
Walsh continued.
"He challenged my authority."
Thomas's expression hardened.
"Did he threaten you?"
Walsh hesitated.
"Not directly."
"Did he assault you?"
"No."
"Did you have reason to believe the birthday cake was dangerous?"
Walsh stared at him.
"Sir?"
Thomas held his gaze.
"Answer the question."
"No, sir."
Thomas looked toward the ruined frosting.
Then back at Walsh.
"An independent investigator will review what happened. Do not discuss the facts with other witnesses."
Walsh's mouth tightened.
"Chief, with respect, you're taking their side because they're your family."
Thomas took one slow breath.
"That is exactly why I am not deciding the case."
He stepped closer.
"But understand something, Officer. If the evidence shows you abused your authority, the problem will not be that you harmed the police chief's grandson."
Walsh stared at him.
"The problem will be that you harmed a child and his family without lawful justification."
Thomas stepped back.
"That would be wrong no matter whose birthday it was."
Marcus watched the exchange from the pavilion.
Anthony stood beside him.
"Your dad's handling it."
Marcus nodded.
But his thoughts were elsewhere.
Caleb sat on the bench, holding the remains of a broken cake decoration that one of the parents had recovered.
It was a small red-and-yellow piece of sugar.
Half of Superman's emblem.
The boy stared at it.
Marcus crouched in front of him.
"Hey, buddy."
Caleb looked up.
"Are the police taking him away?"
"I don't know yet."
"He was mean."
"Yes."
Caleb lowered his eyes.
"Did I do something wrong because I was wearing Superman?"
Marcus felt his heart break.
"No, son."
"Did he hate my costume?"
"I don't know what he was thinking."
Caleb swallowed.
"He said we didn't belong here."
Marcus gently took the boy's hands.
"Look at me."
Caleb raised his eyes.