“They’ll do some time. I can’t say how much or where, but they’re both nineteen, so they’re too old for juvenile detention.”

“That’s too bad they turned out that way,” Dan said. “The family rents from me. They’re a really nice couple.”

“Yes, and they were horrified and humiliated and so angry at their boys. Anyway…thought I’d let you know before I head home.”

“Thanks, Lon,” Dan said and disconnected, then began telling Alice everything that had ensued, from Charlie coming to him to the phone call just now which confirmed the twins had followed through with their plan.

Alice was stunned. “Oh, Dan… What if Charlie hadn’t heard them?”

“What if Charlie hadn’t told someone is more to the point,” Dan said. “He would have felt guilty for the rest of his life, especially if Mr. Phillips had been hurt or killed.”

Alice put both hands over her heart, smiling through tears.

“I am so proud of the man he is becoming…but I’m not surprised. He was trying to take care of Patty and me long before you ever showed up in our lives. He has a good heart and a good head on his shoulders. And you…you are the example he needed of what it means to be a good, decent man. I love you so much and am so grateful you are in our lives.”

Dan took her in his arms.

“I’m the one who is grateful for all of you for loving me. I needed what you offered…a family…and your love,” Dan said, and held her.

“Let’s go tell Charlie,” Alice said.

Dan nodded. “As long as Patty doesn’t know. It’s imperative that no one ever knows Charlie was the anonymous tipster.”

“She’s in her room watching her hour of television before getting ready for bed, and Charlie is outside with Booger,” Alice said.

“Then outside we go,” Dan said.

They found Charlie sitting in the dark, waiting for Booger to finish prowling the perimeter. It was the dog’s nightly ritual.

Charlie turned around when he heard the back door open.

“Hey, Dad…Mom… Look at Booger. He’s on patrol.”

“He’s a good watchdog,” Dan said.

Alice sat down beside Charlie and gave him a hug.

“You did the right thing,” she said.

Charlie glanced at Dan.

“Yes, I told her,” Dan said. “No secrets ever between husband and wife…and she’s your mother. Never any secrets between you and her.”

Charlie nodded, then hugged her. “Sorry, Mom. I didn’t intend to leave you out.”

“No, no, you did the right thing,” Alice said. “But you can always tell me anything. Then we’ll both go find Dan, right?”

Dan grinned. “Always. Oh…and Chief Pittman says to thank you, Charlie, even though it will be noted in the case as an anonymous tip.”

Charlie lowered his voice to a whisper.