Written In Stone

District and whisk every child away to the school. He couldn't save the world, and he knew it, but he saved the ones he could.
    He couldn't believe anyone had seen him, in fact, he was sure no one had. So how had anyone named him as the perpetrator in this so-called crime? That was what he had to figure out. Did he leave one of them alive? No, he knew they were all dead. He'd taken that precaution. In addition, the blaze was set with a fallen candle and broken oil lamp. No, Gavin shook his head and exhaled sharply, something else tipped them off, but what?
    For now, that would remain unanswered, he had more problems on his mind than his current situation or upcoming trial. He hadn't heard from Angie or Madison, and it had been three days since he sent Madison after her. He didn't know what to think about the situation there anymore than he knew what to think of his current legal predicament. Gavin blew another breath. His cell door opened and his name called to the cubicle provided for visiting. His parents stood waiting for him.
    "How are you, son?" his father asked.
    "Are they treating you well?" his mother inquired as she kissed him.
    "I'm fine, really. Here, let's sit down. I've been trying to figure this whole thing out, Father, but I haven't a clue why somebody would name me in this whole thing. I haven't heard from Madison or Angie, either, and I'm worried."
    "I have been making some subtle inquiries why the constable felt you were their only suspect, and it appears the doorman of the condominium was the one who claimed to see you leaving the building with two children in your arms."
    "That's not possible. How could he see me?"
    "Apparently, the doorman has been working undercover for the police, trying to stop the kidnapping and selling of children at the condominium, and was well aware of what the judge was doing with those two children."
    "They did a hell of a job, didn't they? I'm sitting in jail, and if they'd done their jobs to begin with, instead of just watching, I wouldn't be involved at all!"
    "The good thing is, after a word with the officer pretending to be a doorman; it seems he forgot he ever saw you to begin with. If he can't identify you, they will have to drop the charges. You will appear before Judge Eugene Gannon in the morning, so get some rest. It'll all be over with then, and you'll be home."
    "Thank you, Father. I appreciate your help."
    "That's what fathers are for, son," Gav said, hugging his son.
    "And this is what mothers are for," Mattie said, producing an apple pie from the basket she carried. "Take that with you and enjoy it. We'll be back in the morning to go before the judge with you. We've hired that solicitor from Chester, a Richard Lyttleton."
    "I know that name," Gavin said thoughtfully. "Wait a minute, isn't he engaged to Judge Gannon's niece?"
    "Oh, is he?" Mattie said with mock surprise.
    "Small world, isn't it?" Gav added.
    Gavin shook his head.
    "It is, isn't it?" Mattie agreed. "Well dear, good night. Get some rest; you'll want to look your best in the morning."
    "Of course, Mother. Goodnight, Father." Gavin kissed his mother and waved as they left. The guard escorted him back to his cell, and after Gavin ate a piece of the apple pie, he gave the rest to the guards.
    Gavin lay on the hard, narrow cot in the cell, thinking about Angie and wondering what she and Madison might be doing. Surely, he would hear from one of them. He just couldn't imagine both of them would abandon him without a word. Well, he sighed to himself, I'll be out of here tomorrow, and I'll find out exactly what is going on.
    Early the next morning, a guard escorted Gavin to the courtroom. He sat at a table with Mr. Lyttleton and his parents. When the officer come doorman took his place and the prosecutor questioned him, he couldn't identify Gavin. The prosecutor was furious, especially when Mr. Lyttleton requested the judge throw the charges out and set Gavin free. Judge Gannon banged his gavel down hard and dismissed the charges, warning the prosecutor and the constable about wasting his time.
    Gavin thanked Mr. Lyttleton, though he really wasn't sure what the solicitor did, but knew his father paid him handsomely. He walked out with a parent on either side and climbed into the carriage behind them. They headed for home and Gavin sighed. He could use a bath, and he could definitely use some real food and a soft mattress.
    "Come up to the house with us, son, and have some brunch," his father