Later that day Leland came home.

"Hi honey," Karen said, "How was your day?"

Sighing, Leland filled her in.

"She's out on a 4 million dollar bail bond," he said.

"That's crazy," Karen said, "There's no way that Trudy can be guilty of anything let alone murder."

"I know," Leland sighed again, "It's a setup."

…

"Hey Dad," Jared said, "Can I talk with you for a second?"

"Sure buddy," Leland said, "What's on your mind?"

"I just want to say," Jared replied, "I'm sorry that mom got mad at you the other week and I'm so so so sorry I couldn't protect you when she did."

Leland felt a lump in his throat.

"Come here, sit down beside me."

Jared took a seat beside him on the couch.

"You see, when a child comes into the world, it's the parent's job to protect them. And that doesn't change no matter how much the child grows. Maybe when I'm old and gray and I need some help I might ask you. But it's up to me to look out for you okay?"

Jared was a boy who thought very carefully Leland knew.

He smoothed back his spiky blond hair, and looked up at Leland with his green eyes, so like his mother's.

"Okay." He said.

He looked down at his hands.

After a moment Leland asked, "What are your thoughts buddy?"

"It's scary when people get angry."

Leland sighed.

"I know, son. It must be scary when it's your mom. But here's the thing. It doesn't mean that the reason a person feels angry is wrong, or that they don't love the person they're angry at."

Jared nodded

"Like when Jennifer broke my favorite train,"

Leland said, "That's right. The train means something to you and she wasn't careful with that. That's why you were angry. And you had a right to be angry."

"I remember you got upset with me when she took my soccer ball and I hit her on the head."

"That was a long time ago. But yes I did. Do you remember how I explained why?"

"You said that I could feel angry and tell Jennifer that. But I wasn't allowed to hit her because we should never hurt others, not with our hands or our words. I think I understand better now. We can choose how to handle our feelings. So that we don't have to hurt anyone."

Jared paused for a moment.

"I guess...I get scared when mom doesn't do that."

"I know. But I'll tell you something. No one is perfect. Even me. Even your mom. But if you know that and apologize to the person you wronged, and you work on doing better it can be possible to move on."

Jared nodded.

"I think I get it."

"It's just.. remember your mom and I love you very much. No matter what happens."

"I love you too Dad"

He hugged Jared close.

"Do you want to get some hot chocolate?"

That sounds good. Can we make some for everyone?"

"Sure."

Later that night when Karen and Leland were in bed Monk called.

"Hey Monk," Leland said, "What's up buddy?"

"This whole situation is crazy," Adrian whispered, "And to be honest, I'm really scared. I know Trudy is innocent. She would never do anything wrong but someone set her up."

"Let me guess," Leland said, "She's asleep?"

"That's why I'm whispering," Adrian said.

"Want me to come over?" Leland asked.

"That would be great," Adrian said.

"Be there in 10," Leland said.

He woke Karen up saying he had to go out for a while.

"Okay," Karen said, "Can you bring me something back?"

"Sure," Leland replied, "What do you want?"

"Jennifer," Karen replied.