Before the argument could escalate further, Briggs noticed a young boy riding a bike fast down the street, his face pale with panic.
It was Isaiah.
***
Isaiah Boon dropped his bike into the grass near the curb and ran toward the driveway. "Dad!"
Cedric turned immediately. "Isaiah, stop right there!"
Officer Keller stepped directly into the twelve-year-old's path with a raised hand. "Back up!"
Isaiah froze, his breathing ragged as he looked between the officers and his handcuffed father. "What are you doing to him?"
"I'm okay, son. Just stay back for me," Cedric said, keeping his voice steady despite the anger surging through him.
Briggs crouched slightly toward the boy. "Hey buddy, we just need to ask your dad a few questions."
"That's my house!" Isaiah shouted, pointing. "He lives there!"
Keller grunted. "We already established that."
"Then why is he handcuffed?"
Neither officer answered.
Isaiah turned his attention to Elaine Porter. "You called the cops on my dad?"
Elaine shifted uncomfortably. "I thought something was wrong."
"You see him every week!" Isaiah's fear turned to pure anger. "You lied!"
"Isaiah," Cedric warned softly.
Keller roughly grabbed Cedric's arm again. "Tell your son to calm down."
"Don't touch me like that," Cedric growled, pulling against the cuffs.
"You're in no position to give commands."
"Grant, ease up," Briggs muttered nervously.