Chapter 4 - The Oath at the Table
The police officer stepped forward, placing a heavy hand on the boy's shoulder to pull him away. "Alright, sir, I apologize for the disruption. This kid was caught trying to steal a loaf of bread from the bakery down the street. I'll get him out of your sight right now."
"Don't you touch him!"
Edward’s voice echoed across the high-ceilinged dining room like a crack of thunder. The entire restaurant went dead silent. The officer froze, startled by the fierce, terrifying authority vibrating from the frail-looking old man.
Edward stood up from his chair. His knees shook, but his posture straightened with a violent, sudden purpose. He rounded the table, ignoring the white tablecloth he knocked crooked, and dropped directly onto his knees before the filthy, wet child.
Ignoring the dirt, the rain, and the stares of the wealthy patrons, Edward wrapped his arms around the boy's trembling frame, pulling him tight against his dark, expensive suit jacket. He buried his face in the child's wet, matted hair, weeping openly as years of accumulated guilt burst through his iron facade.
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"I failed your father..." Edward whispered, his voice cracking with absolute, agonizing remorse. He rocked the sobbing child back and forth on the restaurant floor. "I destroyed him because of my pride. I let him suffer... But I swear to God, I will never fail you."
The boy clung to Edward's neck, his small, muddy hands gripping the lapels of the old man's suit as he wept bitterly against his shoulder.
