The next morning Sharon dashed out of her room worried about getting breakfast into Rusty before Sunday morning Mass. They'd been up late as he explained some basic chess strategies to her using the new chess board and also his old one for illustration.

He'd told her that the small portable set had been his prize for winning the chess tournament in middle school. She could see it was precious to him. She was again reminded of how bright he was as he went through the chess moves. Rusty would never admit it but he was hungry to learn.

Sharon stopped short when she saw the table set. It appeared Rusty had made breakfast again. He was at the stove intent on the skillet. The smells were delicious and she called out, "Good Morning. What a nice surprise."

"Hey, give me a sec."

She nodded and turned to the table noting the chessboard at the far end. The closer end was set for two and her tea pot waited next to a cup and saucer. Sharon didn't smell tea meaning it was just hot water waiting for the tea bag. Before she could get a teabag out of the cupboard she noticed a teabag on a small teabag holder.

The china piece was shaped like a miniature tea pot and obviously not new. It sat on top of a piece of paper. She slid it out carefully and unfolded it.

Dear Sharon,

I don't know much about writing thank you notes but if you say it's important, I'll try.

Thank you for taking me in, getting me in a school and helping me fit in. I can't figure out why you've spent all this money on me and I usually can figure out the angles. I guess you don't have an angle—you're just a good person.

Everything is more than I thought I'd ever have especially the clothes, phone and computer. I never thought I'd have a chess set good enough to leave out which I'll try not to do.

Rusty

P.S. Do all thank you notes have to be this long?

Sharon blinked back tears. She realized the teenager was at her elbow. "Rusty you absolutely have figured out the concept of the thank you note. No, they don't have to always be this long. I'll trust you to do them justice."

"Will you double check them after they're written?"

"Deal."

"Everything around you is."

She held up the teabag holder. "This is lovely."

"It's not new, I bought it at the thrift store." He sounded a little anxious.

"That's okay. It's beautiful and something I'll use every day. And every time I use it, I'll be reminded of your thoughtfulness and kindness."

"Sharon, you're the one who is all those things. Look at everything you've done for me starting with taking me in when I wasn't happy more like nasty and ungrateful."

"All in the past. Let's look ahead to all the good things to come for you Rusty. There are a lot of people beside me who want to see you do well." She put a hand on his shoulder and squeezed it in support.

She couldn't know how right she was, the Major Crimes Division had united over Rusty. Part of the reason was the example that Sharon set. She was invested in a troubled young man not just financially but emotionally. That put her in a whole new light with her coworkers. And if it took all of them to get Rusty to a better place Major Crimes had shown they were up for it and on Sharon's side. One more fresh start on the way, one more deal done for Major Crimes.

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