“Hey, Chris,” he said, making a call through the car.
“You at work?” she asked.
“Yeah. Would it be possible for you to stop by the house if you’re out and about? Just so Bazel isn’t alone all the time.”
“Sure. I’ll be passing through your neighborhood in an hour. I’ll stop in and make sure he’s okay and give him some company for a while. Did something happen?”
“Not really. But he got scared by some people outside the gate. It wasn’t anyone who tried to get in, but we have had someone break into the yard as well as the house. We’re on it. But I know he’s scared. I have cameras, and half the police force is chasing this guy down, but I want Bazel to feel safe.” That was his top priority at the moment. “The guy has been through so much already.”
“I’ll stop by and see him.”
“Thank you.”
Chris cleared her throat. “I need to ask you something.”
“Okay. But I’m calling through my cruiser at work, and calls can be recorded.” He wasn’t sure if that was true, but he had the feeling that things were about to go off professionally related topics.
“Good point. I’ll call you later after you’re off shift.” She ended the call, and Atlas returned his attention to work as a call came in and he and Evie headed out to a house in the Alphabet streets.
“BAZEL,” ATLAScalled as he came in the house. Music drew his attention, and he followed it through the house and out to the backyard. “There you are.” He wasn’t familiar with what he was hearing, but Bazel seemed to enjoy it.
“Chris was here, and she suggested I get music.” He turned it off. “She say it make me hear everything less. I keep low so I hear if important.” He hurried over. “What think?”
The backyard was a riot of color. “Where did you get the plants?”
“Chris bring for me.” He grinned.
She must have brought flats of annuals, because they filled the garden between the other plants. “It looks beautiful. Thank you.” The yard had not looked this good since he first bought the house. He had been indifferent to the yard and all the plantings. It was a lot of work, and he didn’t have the energy or the expertise. He had thought that if he just maintained the yard, everything would be okay. Mow, pull some weeds, and all would be well. The garden had quickly disabused him of that notion, and it had overwhelmed him fast.
“You really like it?” Bazel asked.
“I do. You did great, and I really appreciate it.”
“Knock, knock,” Chris said from outside the back gate. Atlas hurried over to unlock and open it. “I heard you guys out here.” She came in, and he closed and locked the gate once more. “Wow.”
“Bazel said you brought him some flowers.”
“Yeah. I got them for the house and never planted them, so I thought he might be able to use them.”
“How are others?”
“They’re doing better,” Chris told Bazel. “I think they are starting to settle in a little. I found someone to interpret for them, and she is teaching them some basic English.”
“What will happen to all of them?” Atlas asked. “Will they get sent back?”
Chris shrugged. “We will do our best to contact their families. My experience is about fifty-fifty. Some families are horrified at how they were treated and want them back. Others, not so much. Those who do have supportive families often return. Others we work with to help integrate them into the local community. But first we have to make sure they are all safe.” Chris turned to Bazel. “Do you want me to contact your family? I can.”
“No,” he said softly. “They not forgive. They cannot.” He turned away, and Atlas went to him and placed a hand on his shoulder. “I bring shame to them, and they cannot forgive. It impossible. I have to find my way… here. Only choice.”
“Okay. Then I’ll help you. You’ll need to apply for asylum, but that is something that I can help with. I have helped shepherd a number of people through the process.”
“But will that be enough?”
Chris nodded. “The way he came here and how we found him will work in his favor. We can use the trafficking angle to get a visa based on hardship and persecution in his home country. I’ve done it before.”
“Okay. Thank you. I want very much to stay.” He smiled, and Atlas found his expression softening.
“Can we go inside?” Chris asked softly, and Atlas pointed to the back door.
