“I’m assuming you’ve confirmed this is, indeed, the garage opener from the house in question?” Ed asked.

“It matches the description,” Detective Murray replied. “And we’ll be sending an officer over to confirm. We’re also going to check Will’s tire treads against the tracks found at the scene. But I think we all know we’re going to get a match there, and this is a small department. We’re working with a limited number of officers, and it’s just as much in our interest as in Will’s here to strike a deal.”

The DA took over: “Here’s what we’re proposing: Will pleads to felony vandalism and agrees to assume responsibility for fifty percent of the total damage restitution payments. He does three months in county jail, and twelve weeks of community service. In return for his cooperation, we’ll drop the criminal mischief charge. If we bring full charges, he’s going to be looking at a year in jail, at least, and possibly up to three. And we can’t guarantee the division of the restitution payments. That will depend on how many other perpetrators plead or are convicted. And of course your family will save the cost, time, and publicity of a court trial.”

Will couldn’t believe what he was hearing. He tried to concentrate on what the DA was saying, but his brain was stuck on the words felony and jail. He knew he was supposed to keep his mouth shut, but he couldn’t help himself. “It wasn’t my party!” he said, looking between his parents and the police. “I didn’t mean to destroy anyone’s house. I was only trying to help my friend. There were so many people there—why am I the one sitting here? I bet it makes you guys feel good to haul my family in here. It’s easy to blame me, right? Did you go after anyone else half as hard as you’ve gone after me and Trip?”

“That’s enough!” his lawyer barked, and Will stopped abruptly. He looked down at the garage opener sitting on the table in front of him. How had this one night come to be the defining event of his life?