Usually the punishment fits the crime. But mercy had a hand in this punishment. Grant was glad to help fix Runa's apartment for her. George Saunter could have pressed charges against him, on top of the fact that he should be in jail anyway. He didn't understand why his grandmother could 'fix' things the way she always did. But he was happy to benefit from it this time.

"So, you're Paul's son," George stated.

Grant nodded at him as they worked on replacing some of the drywall in the living room.

"I can't say I'm happy about this damage," he said, "but honestly, I'm glad you were here. And don't tell Ellie I said that."

He smiled at Grant. Grant smiled back. "No sir, I won't."

This was not the outcome Grant imagined once they figured out what he'd done. But he was not looking forward to the other part of his 'penance.' That would not be easy, like this.

"Hand me that box of nails," George told him. "Mr. Brainard will be here soon and you'll help him the rest of the day. I have to get downstairs and open up the store. You think you can nail this drywall in like we did the other?"

"Yes. I can," Grant told him.

"Good. And if you feel like breaking something or someone else; next time, please take them outside first."

Grant laughed, "Don't worry. I'm not planning to do this again."

George nodded. "Good, I'm not either."

Grant understood the intonation. George left.

After that, Grant looked around the apartment for a minute. He looked at a couple pictures Runa had hanging up and then he saw her senior yearbook sticking out of a basket. He picked it up and began looking through it. The inside cover and several pages were written all over. He leafed through until he found her picture.

He stared at the picture for a moment, smilingto himself. He set it down and went back to the drywall. "I'm sorry Runa,"he whispered. "But I couldn't let him hurt you."