Chapter 1053

After they finished their written reflection, the police reviewed them. The police were satisfied with their remorse, so Hazel and Grace were finally allowed to leave. When they stepped out of the police station, they found that night had fallen. Cliff, who was bundled up like a small package, had cycled through sleeping, waking, crying, and feeding, oblivious to the passing hours. The air was frigid as they exited. Grace felt Cliff's tiny hands, which were ice-cold to the touch. She moved to take off her padded jacket, but Oliver was quicker. He removed his black trench coat and swaddled the delicate infant into a snug bundle. "You'll freeze," Grace protested. "I'm fine," Oliver replied. He couldn't let Grace strip down for their son. What kind of man would that make him? Clad only in his thin suit jacket, Oliver hurried to the car with Cliff. Inside, he cranked up the heat. Cradling his son, he gazed at the fair, chubby face that looked so much like his own. Cliff slept