Billy’s Brush With the Law

The Ax

Billy’s burglary and its aftermath reveal Burke as both a protective father and a man willing to break the law to shield his family.

increasing

Bearing strength in each event

decreasing

The Night Arrest The Night Arrest from "The Ax". The Night Arrest A Break-In Discovered Billy and Jim Bucklin enter a computer store after preparing a door to look locked.

The Night Arrest from "The Ax". The Night Arrest A Break-In Discovered Billy and Jim Bucklin enter a computer store after preparing a door to look locked.

The Night Arrest A Break-In Discovered Billy and Jim Bucklin enter a computer store after preparing a door to look locked. Police arrive through a silent alarm and apprehend them as they leave with stolen software. A Father’s Shock Marjorie wakes Burke with news that their son has been arrested. Burke’s immediate alarm is intensified by the possibility that his own criminal life may soon be exposed.

A First Offense A First Offense from "The Ax". A First Offense Pressure for a Confession A detective seeks information linking the boys to earlier burglaries.

A First Offense from "The Ax". A First Offense Pressure for a Confession A detective seeks information linking the boys to earlier burglaries.

A First Offense Pressure for a Confession A detective seeks information linking the boys to earlier burglaries. Burke insists that this is Billy’s first offense and resists an inquiry that could worsen the consequences for his son. A Secret Instruction In the cell, Burke tells Billy to stick to the truth that this is his first time. The exchange is both paternal reassurance and a lesson in maintaining a protective account under pressure.

The Software Stash The Software Stash from "The Ax". The Software Stash Evidence at Home Burke discovers a concealed stock of software in Billy’s closet, enough to make the case far more serious.

The Software Stash from "The Ax". The Software Stash Evidence at Home Burke discovers a concealed stock of software in Billy’s closet, enough to make the case far more serious.

The Software Stash Evidence at Home Burke discovers a concealed stock of software in Billy’s closet, enough to make the case far more serious. He and Marjorie remove it before police can search the house. A Family Cover-Up They dispose of the bags at a distant mall’s dumpster. Burke tells himself he is protecting his son’s future, while once again choosing concealment over trust in institutions.

Release on Bail Release on Bail from "The Ax". Release on Bail A Lawyer Appears Burke finds Porculey through the public-defense process and uses the family’s house papers to secure bail.

Release on Bail from "The Ax". Release on Bail A Lawyer Appears Burke finds Porculey through the public-defense process and uses the family’s house papers to secure bail.

Release on Bail A Lawyer Appears Burke finds Porculey through the public-defense process and uses the family’s house papers to secure bail. The courthouse’s unfamiliar rituals leave the Devore family dependent on a system they distrust. A Conditional Return Billy is released into his parents’ custody. Burke warns him that police may search the house, while Marjorie assures Billy that his father has handled the immediate danger.

A Sealed Indictment A Sealed Indictment from "The Ax". A Sealed Indictment The Cases Separate Evidence at Jim Bucklin’s home distinguishes his situation from Billy’s.

A Sealed Indictment from "The Ax". A Sealed Indictment The Cases Separate Evidence at Jim Bucklin’s home distinguishes his situation from Billy’s.

A Sealed Indictment The Cases Separate Evidence at Jim Bucklin’s home distinguishes his situation from Billy’s. Porculey argues for treating Billy as a first-time offender rather than tying him to the earlier burglaries. A Second Chance The judge seals Billy’s indictment, allowing it to be quashed if he stays out of trouble for the appointed period. Billy leaves with a future intact, while the family’s relief rests partly on Burke’s earlier concealment.

Late May 1997

The hours after Billy’s arrest

Before dawn after the arrest

The Sunday after Billy’s arrest

Mid-June 1997