“We’re not keeping quiet,” I say. “We need a community meeting. To keep people safe.”

I think Mama is about to protest, but she doesn’t.

“We’ll keep watch,” Officer Clyde says.

I point toward the police car. “You’ve been here up until tonight. What’s that all about?”

“Tracy,” Mama says.

“That’s quite all right,” Officer Clyde says. “Whoever did this must’ve been watching for an opportunity.”

“Why pull back in the first place?” Steve asks.

“It’s been two weeks. We don’t have the manpower to keep a detail here forever. Best bet if Jamal comes home, and you fine people encourage that b—” He pauses. “You encourage that young man of yours to turn himself in.”

“My brother wouldn’t hurt anyone,” I say.

“That’s what court cases are for,” Officer Clyde says. “Running don’t point to innocence, if you ask me.”

“Nobody—” I say.

“Let’s focus on their safety,” Steve says. “This is a serious threat to the Beaumont family.”

Officer Clyde studies Beverly, who’s inspecting the smoldering wooden cross. The note is now placed in a clear plastic evidence bag. Beverly takes a few photos. The irony of a cross being used for such a disgusting act sickens me.

“You haven’t updated me about my break-in. This could be the same guy,” Steve says. “We should be worried someone might be coming after the Beaumonts.”

“He didn’t do this,” Officer Clyde says.

“How can you be certain?” I ask. “He could be dangerous.”

“Because he’s in our custody right now for questioning. Sheriff Brighton called him as soon as he got word that’s who we were looking for.”

Steve and I study each other. This must be news to Steve also.

“Is there a reason we weren’t called?” I ask.

“I planned to update you in the morning. Then when I received word about this”—Officer Clyde points at the cross—“I made sure to aid Officer Ridges.”

“If it wasn’t him,” Steve says, “we should be worried more people are involved.”

“This won’t happen again.” Officer Clyde puts his hat on as he gets closer to inspect the damage with Beverly.

“How can you promise that?” Mr. Evans asks.

“We don’t have Klan out here, probably some kids playing a joke—”

“This isn’t a joke,” I say. “You should check for prints. Look into this.”

“I plan to.” Beverly gives me a quick glance. “I’ve turned in Angela’s phone I found out by the Pike.”

I nod at the cover story she must have made up for me.

“There might be other suspects at least for a cross burning like this,” Beverly says.

The same suspects floated to me, knowing that Richard Brighton was under arrest but his minions were free to take action like this.

“I’ll take some nights watching the house.” Beverly walks toward us.