By Emily Townsend • February 28, 2026 • Share
The air seemed to hold its breath. Duke’s voice carried across the blacktop, low and steady. “Your dad rode with us.” A murmur rippled through the teachers and parents.
Deputy Ellis didn’t lower his guard, but he stopped advancing. Principal Lawson’s expression shifted — not relaxed, but reconsidering.
Landon blinked. “My dad?” His voice was barely audible. Duke nodded once.
Landon’s mind raced. He tried to reconcile this unexpected revelation with the image he held of his father — a quiet, unassuming man who never spoke of any wild past adventures.
The crowd, sensing the gravity of the moment, remained hushed, hanging on Duke’s every word.
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