Читать книгу Finding Her Family - Syndi Powell - Страница 11
ОглавлениеPAGE PACED HER living room, pausing every few minutes to glance out the front window for Mateo’s car. She checked her watch. He said he’d been close to her neighborhood. Was she crazy to think she could do this? To foster a pregnant teenager while she struggled with her own health issues? Would a judge even sign off on this?
A car pulled to the curb, and she sprinted to the front door and pulled it open.
Mateo strode up the walk and the two steps to her home. He gave her a nod and entered the house. “Thanks for agreeing to meet with me.”
His scent of spice tickled her nose. She took a deep breath and let it out. She had to get her awareness of him under control.
“Page, do you realize what you’re asking?”
She didn’t need to think about her answer. “Yes.”
He shook his head as if she was clueless. “You’re talking about accepting responsibility for the welfare of an adolescent that you barely know.”
“If you knew a child needed you, would you step in and do something or would you let her get lost in the system?” She stared at him hard. “Sherri’s told me about all the work you’ve done with the youth in the community, so I know what you’d say. Now I’m in the position to help this girl, so please show me how.”
He sighed and put his briefcase on the sofa next to him. “You’d be on the hook for her physical, financial and emotional well-being. Why would you put that on your shoulders when you have so much else to deal with?”
She couldn’t help but start to take this personally. “Did you ask Dez the same questions when Marcus needed a foster home? I’m just as capable.”
“I’m questioning you because a judge will be asking you these same things when we get to court.”
“You said when we get to court, not if. Does that mean you’ll help me?” She gave him a smile, relief settling her nervous belly.
“Yes, I’ll take your case, but you shouldn’t get too confident in our chances.” He flipped open his briefcase, pulled out a thin stack of paper and handed it to her. It was an application for emergency foster-care placement. He nodded toward it. “Fill in as much as you can now, and I’ll reach out to a contact I have in Child and Family Services. Brittney will make sure we get this fast-tracked. When will Ruby be released from the hospital?”
She wondered if the contact was a girlfriend, then dismissed the thought. “They’re keeping her overnight, but because of her youth, maybe two days to be safe. We have about a day to make this happen.” She got a pen from a mug that sat on her kitchen counter. Taking a seat on a stool, she started to complete the form. Name. Address. References. She brought up her head. “References?”
Mateo walked over to her. “People who will vouch for you. April, I’m assuming. My cousin, Sherri. Do you have any family?”
Page thought of her parents. The last thing she needed was her mother trying to talk her out of this. And her father had no contact with her. “None that I want involved in this. You’d agree if you knew my mom. That won’t hurt my chances, will it?”
“It would look better if she could be included, but it’s not crucial.”
She perused the rest of the application. “I fill this out, you call your friend, then what?”
“I can get a home study done pretty quickly. We’ll get you fingerprinted and a criminal background check completed tonight, I hope. After that, it’s in the social worker’s hands.” He brought out his phone and made a call. “Hey, Britt. Mind if I ask a favor?”
He walked out of earshot, so she returned to the application. It asked her about her financial details and medical history. She paused before writing cancer in the appropriate section. That wouldn’t keep her from being able to care for Ruby, would it? It had already claimed so much from her, that she didn’t need this to be stripped away, too.
* * *
MATEO ENDED HIS phone call and found Page working on the application. Her bald head bent over the form, she scribbled answers and didn’t seem aware of him watching her. What was she thinking? She had bigger problems to worry about than some pregnant teenager. She needed to stay focused on fighting cancer, not look after some girl she didn’t really know.
And yet, he admired her for it. How many able-bodied and healthy people turned and looked the other way rather than make a difference in a needy child’s life?
She glanced up at him—big hazel-green eyes in a thin, pale face. She handed him the form. “Can you check it over to make sure I’ve filled in everything?”
He took the paper and examined it, reading it over with a critical eye. She’d given more than enough information, and he had a feeling that it would get approved despite her health issues if he got the case in front of the right judge. “You’re sure you want to do this?”
Page nodded. “I haven’t changed my mind. I’m even more determined to help her.”
“You haven’t answered why.”
She took a deep breath and let it out slowly. “I was just like her at that age. Alone. Terrified. I ran away from home several times and lived on the streets until a cop found me and took me back. Maybe if an adult had seen my living situation, things might have turned out differently. I might not have married the first man who I thought could rescue me.”
He looked at her for a long moment, seeing the grief in her eyes. There was so much more to her than he’d realized before. She didn’t need to be rescued because she took matters into her own hands. Did she not see that? He glanced at his watch. “I have a few friends at the police department who can take your fingerprints and run the criminal background check now. Do you have any plans tonight?”
She gasped and stood up quickly. Too quickly. “I have to call April to let her know I won’t be making it to dinner. How long do you think this will take?”
“After we get you fingerprinted, you should ready a room for Ruby. The more prepared you are for her to enter your home, the better.”
She nodded. “I’ll fix up the guest room. Not that I have many guests, but you know.”
“That would be a good idea. We want to show the social worker that you’ve considered everything, including opening your home, as well as your life, for this girl.” He put away his cell phone. “I can help you out with that.”
He put a hand at the small of her back to nudge her out of the house. The contact, as light as it was, sent a bolt of awareness through him. What was happening to him? First, he’d been questioning what he always wanted to do with his life professionally, and now this. This was Page. He had no interest in her romantically.
And yet, as he drove her to the police station, he couldn’t stop thinking about her. About everything she’d said back at the house. Sympathy for her story had opened his eyes to seeing her differently. Maybe he could see her like she’d asked him to.
As they entered the precinct, he gave a wave to Sergeant Shelby Novakowski, who met him at the front desk and looked Page up and down. “What brings you by, counselor? Another client?”
“Yes, but not in the way you’re thinking. Page needs to get fingerprinted, but for a criminal background check for her foster-care application.”
Shelby turned to Page. “Foster care, huh? That’s a tough gig. Are you sure you can handle it?”
Page bristled and gave a short nod. “I’m tougher than I look.”
“Good. You’ll need to be.” She winked at Mateo and motioned to an empty interrogation room. “Go ahead and take a seat. I’ll see to this myself.”
“Don’t you have staff for this kind of thing?” Page asked.
Shelby laughed and pointed again to the room. “Consider this a favor. Now, go. Sit. I’ll be right there.”
As Page had her fingerprints taken and the data entered into the system, and filled out the necessary paperwork, he joked with one of the cops on duty. It felt good to be at the station for a different reason than bailing a client out. He was relaxed and could chat with the officers, most of whom he knew by name.
Once everything was taken care of at the station, Mateo escorted her back to his car. Page fastened her seat belt and turned to look at him. “Do you know all the cops?”
“I know quite a few, but then that’s part of my job.”
He drove them back to her house and volunteered to make up the guest bed with fresh linens. As he watched her prepare her place for her new charge, he had to admit Page was an interesting mix of strength and vulnerability, and he was drawn to her.
So, there he was, tucking the ends of a cotton blanket underneath a mattress because he couldn’t leave her to do it alone.
Page put her hands on her hips and surveyed the room. “This will do for now. Ruby and I can always go shopping if we want to later.”
“You realize that you have a lot of big hoops to jump through first, right? This isn’t a guaranteed placement. There’s a chance that she’ll have to stay in another home before she can come here while we get everything approved.”
Page paused in smoothing the surface of the blanket and looked up at him. “I thought you said we could get this fast-tracked so she could come here.”
“That doesn’t mean it’s overnight.”
Her optimism seemed to fade a little, and she sagged onto the edge of the bed. “Oh. I guess I figured you could make it happen that way.”
“I’m a criminal lawyer, not a miracle worker.” She looked up at him with those big eyes, and he felt a punch in his belly. He knew he’d do everything he could to make this happen for her. He sighed. “I’ll do the best I can.”
“Ruby is alone and pregnant, and I feel for her. No one should ever be alone in the world. I want to be sure she’s safe.”
Mateo knew the feeling. Despite his own reservations regarding her health and her ability to care for herself, much less someone else, he wanted to help Page in this quest to provide a home for a homeless teenager.
* * *
PAGE HAD THE following day off, but she arrived at the hospital early and waved at her coworkers before walking down the hall to Ruby’s room. She found the teen dozing with the television on, so Page picked up the remote control from the bedside table and turned the TV off. Ruby opened one eye to glare at her. “Hey, I was watching that.”
She highly doubted that. “How are you feeling today?”
Ruby rubbed her rounded belly and shrugged. “Okay, I guess. The pains haven’t started again, so that’s a good thing, right?”
“Very good.” Page looked up and peered into Ruby’s eyes. “Your color looks better. Have you seen the doctor this morning?”
“She stopped by an hour or so ago.” Ruby shifted in the hospital bed and reached behind her for a pillow. Page stepped forward and helped her get more comfortable. “She thinks I can get out of here later today or tomorrow morning, but they’re waiting on some test.”
“Sounds about right.” She sat in the chair next to the bed. “I’ve been working all night to get a place ready for you at my house. Do you still want to do that?”
Ruby looked at her. “I guess.”
Page doubted she could have gotten anything more enthusiastic from her. Ruby appeared to be jaded and cynical no matter what, albeit for good reason. “We’re just waiting on social services to sign off on my application, but my friend Mateo, he’s a lawyer, is hoping to get that finalized by tomorrow.”
Ruby’s brow furrowed. “What happens if it isn’t, and they kick me out of here?”
“You could end up in another foster home.”
Ruby started to shift as if she was going to get out of the bed. “Oh, no. I’m not doing that again.”
Page put a hand on her shoulder, wanting to reassure the girl, but she realized it was a feeble attempt. If Ruby wanted to leave, she could. “It would only be a night or two until you can stay with me.”
Ruby grasped Page’s hand. “Don’t make me go to a foster home, please.”
The fear in the girl’s eyes made Page even more determined to bring this girl home with her. “I’m doing my best.”
Ruby nodded.
Page took a seat on the hospital bed. “Can you tell me anything more about your family?”
She kept her gaze on the window across the room. “What family?”
Page was losing patience with the girl. How would she ever help someone who didn’t meet her halfway? “They’re going to check out your story, so be sure you’re telling us everything. No grandparents? Aunts or uncles?”
Ruby folded her hands in her lap and kept her gaze on them. “It was just my mom and me until she died. If there were any relatives, she didn’t tell me one word about them.”
“How did she die?”
Ruby raised her eyes to Page. “Don’t matter now. She’s just dead.”
“Did she know about your baby?”
“I found out just before she died. I didn’t know how to tell her. I didn’t want her to be disappointed in me.”
“I’m sure she would have loved you anyway.” When Ruby nodded, Page could tell that the bond between the two had been strong. “I don’t want you to think that I’d be taking your mom’s place if you come and stay with me. Maybe you could think of me as a friend, though.” She pulled a notebook and pen from her purse. “And I thought you could write a letter for the judge telling him where you want to live.”
Ruby took the notebook and opened to a clean page. “You mean with you.”
“I thought it would help our case.”
Ruby peered at her. “You really want this?”
“I do.”
“What about when the baby comes?”
Page already knew the answer. “We’ll figure it out together, no matter your decision.”
Ruby gave a short nod then started to write.
A nurse entered the room to check Ruby’s vitals, ending the conversation. Page stepped back so that Tiffany could check over Ruby. She gave her a nod before leaving the room. Ruby raised an eyebrow at the exchange. “Friend of yours?”
Hardly. “I think she’s after my job.”
“There’s always someone who wants what you got.” Ruby nodded as if she was the older and wiser one.
“You’ve got that right.”
* * *
MATEO HUNG UP from his phone call with Brittney and pumped his fist in the air. Together, they had been able to work a miracle. He scrolled through his contacts and found Page’s name. He pressed his finger on it and waited for the call to connect. “It’s Mateo. Where are you?”
“With Ruby at the hospital.”
“Do you think you can meet me at your house ASAP? Judge Bond has agreed to hear our case at three this afternoon, but the social worker wants to complete a home inspection before that.” He glanced at his watch. “She can meet us at your house within the hour. Does that work?”
“Yes, of course.” She muffled the phone and relayed the news to the girl. “Thank you, Mateo. Ruby thanks you, too.”
“Let’s take this one step at a time before you get too excited. We still have a ways to go.”
Mateo just hoped that the judge would agree that Page was Ruby’s best option.
* * *
HE ARRIVED AT Page’s house and saw Brittney’s car parked in the driveway. He walked up to the front door, found it open and stepped inside. “Hello?”
Page popped her head from around the corner and waved him down the hallway to the guest room. He entered and greeted Brittney. “Thanks for being on the ball with this, Britt.”
“Don’t thank me yet. We still have to convince the judge.” She turned and gave a bright smile to Page. “But I think we’ll get what we want.”
Page sighed and placed a hand to her chest. “I want to do everything I can for Ruby.”
Brittney left to inspect the rest of the house. Mateo stepped closer to Page. “Has she opened up more about her family?”
“According to her, there isn’t any. None she knows of anyway. It was always her and her mom until the mom died. She did say she knows her father’s name. Thomas Burns.” She rubbed her bare arms and looked down at her T-shirt and shorts. “Guess I should get changed for court.”
“The judge is going to be more interested in what you have in your heart than what clothes you have on your body.” He scanned her from head to toe. “On the other hand, it wouldn’t hurt to put on something a little more dressy.”
She nodded and went to change. Mateo walked back to the living room, where he found Brittney making notes on her tablet. She clutched the tablet to her chest. “No peeking. You know the rules.”
He knew very well what they were up against, but that didn’t mean he wouldn’t try to get an advantage. “Do you think she’s got a chance?”
“More than a chance if I have anything to say about it. Have you seen how clean and organized this place is? I’m tempted to hire her to come and take a stab at my apartment.” Brittney walked into the kitchen and opened a cupboard. “The spices are organized alphabetically. And the cans by food group. Don’t even get me started on the color-coded closets and linens.”
“It takes more than organization to convince a judge.”
“She’s got stellar references from her friends to provide emotional support, although I wish she had stronger family ties.” She typed in more notes. “But then maybe she can identify with coming from a broken family like Ruby does.”
“And the cancer?”
Brittney stopped typing and looked at him. “That’s the wild card in this. She’s in midtreatment, but I have a letter from her doctor that states she is physically able to care for a child. So that’s got to stand for something.”
Impressed that Page had thought to get the letter before he had, he gave a nod. “Let’s hope the judge sees it the same way.”
Mateo stared as Page entered the living room. She had put on a simple black sleeveless dress and tied a silk floral scarf around her head. She frowned and looked down at her outfit. “What’s wrong? Is the scarf too much? I don’t usually wear one, but I thought it might not hurt.”
Brittney made an amused noise next to him and moved on to check the basement. He took a few steps closer to Page. “Nothing. You’re fine.”
She kept the frown on her face and put a hand on her hip. “The look on your face said otherwise.”
He took a deep breath and reminded himself she was a client. He shouldn’t be thinking that the dark color of her dress made her eyes look like emeralds. Or that the scarf made those eyes look huge. He cleared his throat and adjusted his tie. Was it hot in here?
“Did Brittney say anything about my case?”
“We both agree that it looks promising. Do you have a statement prepared?”
She shook her head. “Sort of, but I figured I’d speak from the heart when the time comes. Do you think I should write something?”
“That’s usually best.” His phone chimed, and he took it out of his pocket to check the display. Lulu was texting to remind him about calling his dad. It would have to wait. “We won’t be in a courtroom but rather the judge’s chambers. It will be less intimidating, hopefully.”
“She’s dead set against going into a foster home.”
“We’ll do our best.”
Brittney returned to the living room and approached them. “I’ve finished my report, so I’ll see you later at the courthouse.” She put her tablet in her purse then put a hand on Page’s arm. “Good luck. This girl will be lucky to have you.”
Page thanked her and Brittney departed. He noticed Page sat down quickly on the sofa and doubled over. “I don’t think I’ve ever been this nervous. Not even when I got married.”
Mateo sat next to her and put an arm around her shoulders. “It’ll be okay. I’ll be with you through this. You won’t do it on your own.”
She nodded against his shoulder. “Thank you.”
He dropped his arm, and they sat in an uncomfortable silence. They had a few hours before they had to appear in the judge’s chambers. “Page, about what you said last week. About how I don’t see you.”
She reached up and removed the scarf from her head. “Yes?”
“You were right.” He looked deep into her eyes. “I haven’t seen you as a person. Not really. And I’m sorry for that.”
She swallowed. “Thank you.”
“But all of this the last couple of days has opened my eyes.”
“And?”
He wasn’t sure what to say at first. She looked so hopeful, but he couldn’t give her false expectations. “I’d like for us to be friends.”
The light dimmed in her eyes. “Friends. Sure.” The smile on her face looked forced. “Who couldn’t use more friends?”
* * *
MATEO DROVE THEM both to the courthouse since Page hadn’t been able to concentrate on anything beyond what the judge’s decision might be. She had to convince the judge that she could take care of Ruby. Had to show him that it was in the girl’s best interest for her to stay with Page. She tried to think of what she would say when the time came, but words didn’t seem to stick in her brain. All that filled it was the image of Ruby alone in that hospital bed.
They pulled into a garage and Mateo parked. He turned off the engine and glanced over at her. He’d been so helpful through this process. Had it really been twenty-four hours since she’d met Ruby and set all of this in motion? She’d never been impulsive, but this certainly qualified. Mateo put a hand over hers and squeezed. “No matter what, it’s going to be okay.”
The feel of his strong hand on hers made the butterflies in her belly slow their flight. “What if the judge doesn’t see it my way?”
“Then we go to plan B.”
She raised an eyebrow at this. “Do we have a plan B?”
Mateo grinned. “We’ll think of something.”
He got out of the car, and Page opened the passenger-side door. And then he was there with a hand to help her out. She took it and didn’t let go as they walked out of the garage and crossed the street toward the courthouse.
Once inside, they waited a few moments until the steel elevator doors opened. They entered, along with several other people, and Mateo pressed the button. Crowded in, Page found herself squished to his side. She kept her gaze forward, but was aware of how his breath caught as the elevator started its ascent. She could smell the aftershave he wore, a spicy citrus scent. His presence alone lent her courage and strength.
He was right. If this didn’t work, they would figure out a plan B. Ruby didn’t have anyone else to be her advocate. To make the decisions that would help her and her unborn baby. Page wanted desperately to be able to help her.
She’d wrestled with the question of why the previous night. As the first rays of dawn appeared, she realized that she’d hoped for someone to step into her life as a teenager and care for her. That she’d dreamed of an adult who would see the neglect in her situation at home and stand up for her, and provide a home where she didn’t have to worry about the next meal, or having clean clothes to wear to school. It hadn’t happened for her, but she could do that for Ruby. She couldn’t lose this chance.
The elevator doors opened, and Mateo ushered her forward. They walked down a long hallway to an unmarked door. Mateo rapped on it and took a step back. An older man with graying hair and a beard answered. He extended a hand to Mateo, who shook it. “Mr. Lopez, on time as always.”
The man turned to her. “Ms. Kosinski. I’m Judge Frederick Bond, welcome.”
She put her hand in his.
With a broad sweep of his arm, he stepped back and allowed them to enter his chambers. They found Brittney sitting in a chair in front of a massive desk. The judge moved behind it and indicated the other empty chair. Page took a seat while Mateo stood behind her. Judge Bond opened a manila folder and perused the paperwork. He glanced up to peer at her. She folded her hands in her lap and prayed that she looked trustworthy. After reading through the file, he closed it and spoke to Brittney. “Has the state reached a recommendation on Ms. Kosinski’s application for emergency foster-care placement?”
“The state has, Your Honor.” Brittney perched on the edge of her chair. “We believe that she is an excellent candidate to receive the minor, Ruby Wilson, into her care. As you can see from her application, she is employed as a nurse at Detroit General and can provide for the physical and emotional needs of the child. She has prepared her home for this placement. We believe she also has a strong support network of friends who will help her if she needs it.” Brittney pointed to the file. “Ruby has written her own statement as well, indicating her desire to live with Ms. Kosinski.”
The judge perused more of the file. “I understand the minor is pregnant and two months from delivery. Are you prepared to take on the responsibility of an infant as well?”
Page nodded. “Yes, Your Honor. Although she hasn’t decided what she plans to do once the baby arrives.”
The judge looked at Page. “And how are you feeling?”
Mateo cleared his throat. “Dr. Frazier is prepared to testify that Ms. Kosinski is in good physical condition to care for a minor.”
The judge put a finger on his upper lip and rubbed it. “I was asking your client.”
They all turned to face her. She gave a nod. “Today is a good day for me, Your Honor.”
“And how much longer will you be receiving chemotherapy treatments?”
“Hopefully another month or two, and then the doctor will assess how well I’m doing.” She took a deep breath. “I understand you may have reservations regarding my cancer, but please let me state that it won’t interfere with being able to take care of Ruby or her baby.”
“Good. And why are you applying to be her foster mother?”
“In my application—”
Judge Bond held up his hand. “I read what you wrote there, but I want to hear it from your own mouth. Why are you pursuing this, Ms. Kosinski? Is it the monthly stipend you’d receive from the state? Or are you one of those do-gooders with their hearts on their sleeves trying to save the world?”
“I’m only trying to save one girl. Ruby.” Page took a deep breath, trying to sort out what she should say to convince him. She decided on the truth and pulled out the sheet of paper where she’d written her thoughts earlier. “Given different circumstances, I might have been her when I was her age. I know what it’s like to have no one and to wish that someone would see me. I’ve gone hungry and lived on the streets a time or two. I don’t want that life for her. I want her to feel loved and cared for. Her and her baby.”
Mateo put a hand on her shoulder and gripped it lightly. “Your Honor, Ms. Kosinski has a job that provides more than she needs. The stipend has no consideration on her decision to be a foster parent for Ruby.”
“And there is no family member who can step forward and take care of the girl?”
Page shook her head. “None she knows of. She’s quite alone.”
Judge Bond gave a short nod. “I’ve decided to grant you temporary custody of Ruby Wilson.” When Page smiled and clapped her hands together, he held up a finger. “Temporary only at this point, Ms. Kosinski. As it is, this is an emergency situation and the girl needs a home. In the meantime, I want a full investigation into her background to determine if there is no family member responsible for her. Until that time, Ms. Kosinski, you are granted full guardianship over her. If no relative is found, then we can discuss permanent placement.”
“Thank you, Your Honor.”
“Good luck, Ms. Kosinski. I have a feeling you’re going to need it.”
Page tamped down her excitement until they left the judge’s chambers, then she threw her arms around Mateo and hugged him. “Thank you.”
He tightened his arms around her. “I’m glad this went our way.”
She missed the closeness when he let go of her, but she turned to Brittney. “Thank you as well. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you jumped on this so fast.”
“I’ll be reaching out to you once Ruby is released from the hospital. We’ll set up a time to interview her about her family. Also, I’ll be checking in randomly to be sure the placement is going well.”
Brittney nodded to Mateo and was soon out of sight.
Page couldn’t hold back her next question any longer. “Do you think we could go and tell Ruby now?”
Mateo’s smile was warm and wide. She was sure it mirrored her own. He drove them to the hospital and accompanied her to Ruby’s room. But when she pushed open the door, the room was empty. Page frowned and went to the nurse’s station. “Tiffany, where’s Ruby?”
The nurse shrugged. “She was released and left. The doctor didn’t see a reason to keep her any longer.”
Page turned to Mateo. “Where could she have gone?”
