Adrian's warning chilled me more than Thompson's glares ever could and suddenly I felt scared of what might come next. But if Mayor Thompson wanted a fight, then he'd get one. Because no one was going to threaten my family or our home in Harmony Grove.
16
BILLY
Roberta McKinney was a no-nonsensekind of woman, her black hair pulled back in a severe bun, glasses perched on the bridge of her nose. She wore a business suit that gave her an air of stern authority. I'd dealt with her numerous times before, but today she seemed particularly severe.
I'd expected our visit earlier in the week, but her showing up today at Harmony House was an unwelcome surprise. Judging by the look on her face, she'd rather be anywhere but here as well.
“Please, sit down,” I said with a sigh, gesturing to the chair across from my desk. My stomach soured as she silently studied me. My palms grew sweaty and I shifted in my seat as an uncomfortable silence filled the room.
Finally, Ms. McKinney took a deep breath and began to speak. “It appears that Jack and Celine Davis are considering taking legal action against you.” She paused for effect before continuing, her face stern but sympathetic. “They're claiming you're an unsuitable foster parent and have filed complaints not only against you, but against my office for allowing the placement, alleging I knew you were living in sin with an impressionable boy in your care.”
She made air-quotes around the most ridiculous part of the accusation. If I were straight, we both knew no one would have said a word.
She pulled a folder out of her bag, handing it to me. The copy of the complaint made my heart sink; the Davises had barely stopped short of accusing me of some sort of assault on their son during his stay at Harmony House.
“In addition to your current living situation, they've cited last weekend's police interaction as evidence you're not a suitable caretaker,” she explained. It was obvious she didn't believe them but had no choice but to investigate.
“You have to know that's bullshit!” My voice echoed off the high walls, and I immediately felt bad for cursing. She was simply doing her job. “I'm sorry, Roberta. That was uncalled for.”
She released a huff resembling laughter. “I'm surprised it took you this long, Billy. I've known for years how passionate you are about your work. Not many men in your situation would be able to convince their brothers to start a facility like Harmony House, and yet the three of you are becoming a shining example of how to help youth in need. Off the record, I wouldn't be surprised if that's why the Davises have gone as far as they have.”
That sounded ominous. My mind started racing as panic rose in my chest as I turned my attention back to the paper in my hands – what kind of thing could they think I'd done?
Reading through the complaint revealed some disturbing lies about how their son had been coerced into refusing to come home. They somehow completely ignored the fact there were witnesses who could testify to their refusal to allow him back into his family home unless he denied being gay.
“Billy,” she began, her tone flat, “I'm sure you understand the seriousness of the complaint lodged by James's parents.”
My heart sank at her words. “Coercion is a serious allegation, Ms. McKinney,” I replied, struggling to keep the anxiety out of my voice. “But you know I would never do such a thing.”
She gave a curt nod, her expression unreadable. “Your personal integrity is not in question here, Billy, not in my eyes at least,” she said, rifling through the paperwork. “But we must consider all aspects of this situation. And it has come to my supervisor's attention that James is staying at an address different from the one we have on record for you.”
My throat tightened. “You mean Michael's house?”
She nodded. “Yes, and while it's commendable that you're providing James with a loving environment, the address discrepancy can be used against us by the Davis family. They may argue that you've manipulated the system, taking James into your care under false pretenses.”
Panic clenched my stomach. These assholes were doing everything they could to tear apart the loving family James now found himself in. They hadn't reached out to him once since the day he'd moved in, but suddenly they were concerned for his welfare? After a long pause, I finally spoke, “What can I do to rectify this?”
“The most straightforward course of action would be for you and James to return to your registered address,” she suggested. “I’m not sure it’ll be enough at this point, but it’s the first thing you need to do.”
It felt like a punch to the gut. Going back to my place meant leaving Michael and Henry, distancing myself from the family we were building. But if it could prevent any potential drama and protect James, it was a sacrifice I was willing to make. No, it was the only decision to be made.
“I understand, Roberta,” I said, my voice barely above a whisper. “I'll talk to James, and we'll move back to my place until things settle.”
“Billy, I'm really sorry about this,” she apologized. “The good news is Danny and Blake's licensure should be finalized in a day or two. At that point, I'm hoping all of this will go away.”
That didn't make me feel any better. If anything, it was a reminder of the sheer hell we were about to go through. Not only did I have to tell Michael I had to take James and return to my house, but by the end of the week, he wouldn't be mine to look after, either.
This was for the best. Right? Danny and Blake had been talking about starting a family of their own, and they were looking forward to helping James navigate his final year of high school.
If it was such a good thing, why did it feel as if Roberta had clawed her way into my chest with those neatly manicured nails to rip out my heart before stomping on it with her stiletto heels?
I startled at the feeling of her soft grip on my forearm. “It's going to be okay, Billy.”
“I know,” I lied, swallowing hard to keep my emotions at bay.
Connor and Deacon had been helping out even more than usual, trying to make up for the trouble they'd caused. Today, they were assembling all of the back-to-school packs for pick up while Theo and James worked on the snack-packers program. They were all good kids, it was just that two of them had made a really stupid decision that created some pretty gnarly ripples.
