“Did you talk to her?”
“Yeah, Shelly did, too. Just to assure her that Vanz was being looked after and not sleeping rough in the wilds of nature. Or in some sketchy area where he might get assaulted. You know how it is. Or maybe you don’t.”
“Not really, but I can imagine. He’s only a kid.”
Mitch glanced over his shoulder to check on Vanz through the window. “Did you talk to Clark?”
“I wanted to check with you first.”
“It’s cool, you can call him now. Come on in. Shelly has a fresh pot of coffee for you, and I made cranberry muffins.”
Bennett followed him to the house and greeted Vanz inside. He recognized the kid’s fresh T-shirt as one of Mitch’s, which was a little large on him. But he’d showered, his jeans were washed, and his canvas sneakers cleaned.
While they spoke, Shelly brought a tray of muffins. He noticed that Vanz took two and ate them hungrily.
He told Vanz that as the mayor, he had to alert Chief Clarkson to let him know of the situation with Vanz and his mother.
When Vanz lowered his eyes and frowned, Bennett quickly added, “Mitch and I will be with you every step of the way to make sure no harm comes to you. You’ll be able to stay here.”
“I guess that’s okay,” Vanz said, looking a little relieved.
Bennett went into the kitchen to call Clark. When the chief answered, Bennett quickly filled him in.
“You’re with him now?” Clark asked.
“That’s right, and Vanz is concerned about his mother’s safety. From what he’s told us, he has reason to be nervous.”
“I’ll contact the Palm Vista police department about a safety check for her.” Clark paused, listening to Imani, who was with him. “Imani is asking if the boy’s mother gave permission for him to stay with Mitch?”
“She did.” Bennett could hear Imani in the background giving more advice. Moments later, Clark passed the phone to her to speak.
“Glad you’re helping Mitch with this situation,” Imani said. “What I was saying is that if Vanz plans to stay here a while, Mitch should have written permission from themother, appointing him temporary guardian. That way, Vanz can register for school in Summer Beach. I’m happy to help with that.”
“That’s very generous of you. We’d appreciate that.”
Imani added, “If the situation at home is as he says, it’s important to keep him out of harm’s way or child protective services will have to get involved. But if Mitch steps in to care for Vanz, it will be better for all involved. It’s good that he’s willing to help.”
Bennett recalled when Mitch arrived in Summer Beach years ago. “He went through a tough phase, so he’s eager to help Vanz get through this.”
“I’d like to meet Vanz. Preferably on neutral ground. May we meet at the inn in a little while?”
“That’s a good idea,” Bennett replied, and they agreed on a time. He joined the others in the small living room and explained the situation.
“I’m kind of nervous.” Vanz rocked slightly on the futon where he’d slept. His sunken eyes loomed large in his thin face.
Mitch put his arm protectively around the boy. “Don’t worry, Imani is a friend. She’s helped a lot of people get out of bad situations.”
Vanz fidgeted with a braided bracelet he wore. “Why help me? She doesn’t know me, and I don’t have any money. Neither does my mom.”
Bennett smiled, trying to put the boy at ease. “Some attorneys will help those who can’t afford their fees. They might be paid by the court, or they give their time. That’s calledpro bono, and it’s their way of giving back to the community and helping folks who really need it. Imani is part of a legal aid society.”
Vanz seemed to consider this. He raised his eyes to Mitch. “Did people help you like this?”
Mitch jerked a thumb toward Bennett. “This guy did. Wouldn’t be where I am without him.”
Bennett grinned and bumped Mitch’s fist. “Mitch was hustling coffee sales on the beach when I met him. He’d developed quite a business with the sunrise surfers, and his coffee was the best around. We wanted him here, and as it turned out, he was worth the bet. Your cousin here is smart and works harder than anyone I know.”
Vanz looked between him and Mitch, clearly intrigued by this.“I didn’t know how you got started. That’s cool.”
