"Course we can. As dismal as the situation is, we'll count it a small victory. Maybe you can do some revolutionary writing over the summer, in the tradition of Whitman."

Goodnight winked at Neil when he picked his head up again. Some lessons were hard to learn, but he had faith Neil would get through this, and other trials. He was a good boy, and he was smart as a whip when he let himself run with it. He didn't want to see him brought low by some small-minded idiot in a position of power. He'd seen it too much to tolerate it now.

But he also knew the rules of engagement and he exchanged a look with Billy. Maybe there was something they could do, when Neil was free and clear of it all. Goodnight would like that.