All Our Tomorrows. Irene Hannon

the two Uplink students, shook hands with the principal then made his way toward her.

      “Thanks for coming on such short notice,” he said as he drew close.

      “It wasn’t a problem. Tess and I have worked together on other stories.”

      “She said her son had been injured?”

      “I don’t think it’s anything serious. It sounded like he might need a few stitches. But she had some problems with him a few years ago, and now she tries extra hard to be there for him.”

      “That’s commendable. I wish more parents felt that way. Especially parents of students like these.”

      “I know. I did a series a year or so ago on gang culture, about the power gangs exert over their members and how gangs become a surrogate family in the absence of a real one. The problem of uninvolved parents is very real. And not just in this part of town.”

      “It makes you wonder why some people have kids, if they aren’t willing to take on the responsibilities of parenthood.”

      “Mitch Jackson, Tess’s husband, could give you an earful on that subject. He’s the principal at one of the high schools in a pretty affluent area of the city. His stories about uninvolved parents are unbelievable.”

      David shook his head. “Throw in a cycle of poverty and a culture that doesn’t value education, and the problem is only exacerbated. It’s an uphill battle, that’s for sure. But at least Uplink is trying to offer a few kids a way out.” The somber expression on his face gave way to a grin. “But I’m done lecturing for today. Are you ready to leave?”

      “Yes.”

      As they exited the auditorium and walked down the hall toward the front door, Caroline reached into her bag for her keys.

      “Where are you parked?” David asked.

      “Just down the street.”

      “I’ll walk you to your car.”

      “You don’t need to do that.”

      “Yes, I do. This isn’t the best area of town.”

      As they stepped through the door, Caroline gave him a wry glance. “I’ve been in worse places.”

      True, David mused, recalling Caroline’s quick summary of her career when he’d inquired, shortly after they met. Two years on the crime beat for a paper in Atlanta, three years in Washington, D.C., covering politics, then domestic and European assignments for AP before being stationed in a hot zone in the Middle East. How had Michael managed to live with the knowledge that the woman he loved was putting herself in danger day in and day out?