At the start of Circle Justice, the Keeper made everyone stand up.

At the start of the Circle Justice, the Keeper asked everyone to stand and pray.

Nearly two dozen people had joined the Circle by the time the Keeper stood to begin. She smiled pleasantly. “Everybody please stand and hold hands,” she said.

Cole didn’t like holding hands with his parents, one on each side. His hands were clammy, and he found himself comparing his mother’s frightened, weak squeeze to his father’s iron-hard grip.

As the Keeper bowed her head, Cole peeked and caught Peter peeking back. He narrowed his eyes threateningly, and Peter looked away. Cole grinned until he realized Peter’s lawyer was watching him .

“Great Maker and Healer, hear this prayer,” began the Keeper in a soft voice. “Tonight we gather because our community has been hurt. Grant wisdom and patience as we search for wellness. Amen.”