The phone rang, breaking the silence of Marie’s living room. She picked it up, her heart already pounding as an unfamiliar voice came on the line. “Ma’am, this is Officer Daniels from the police department. I’m afraid it’s about your grandson, Danny.”
Marie’s breath caught, her mind racing. “What happened to Danny?” she managed, her voice a thin thread. The officer’s words were clipped and cold. “I’m sorry to inform you, but he’s been arrested. He needs help—bail money to get him out tonight.”
Her hand shook as she gripped the phone, barely able to process what she was hearing. She wanted to believe this was a mistake, a nightmare she’d soon wake up from. But the voice continued, calm and urgent. “We don’t have much time. Can you help him?”