Ruby recognized the scratch near one corner.
“You still have it.”
“I do.”
“You should be more careful.”
“I’ve become considerably more careful.”
Nathaniel reached into a drawer.
He handed Ruby an envelope.
She immediately looked suspicious.
“What’s this?”
“A receipt.”
“For what?”
“Open it.”
Inside was a small laminated card.
At the top were the words:
GRAVES COMMUNITY SCHOLARSHIP FUND
Ruby looked confused.
Nathaniel explained.
“After everything happened, several people suggested I give you a reward.”
“I don’t want a reward for returning something.”
“I know.”
“So what is this?”
“A scholarship fund for students from neighborhoods with resident-owned housing cooperatives.”
Ruby stared at him.
“Just for me?”
“No.”
“How many kids?”
“We hope hundreds eventually.”
She considered this.
“Okay.”
Nathaniel smiled.
“Okay?”
“That’s better than giving me money.”
Claire’s eyes softened.
Nathaniel handed Ruby a second item.
Nine crisp one-dollar bills.
Ruby frowned.
