“No family still?”
“No. They won’t tell us either,” Duke complained.
“Hold on.” I yanked out my phone and dialled a number.
“What’s up, Vortex?” Willow asked.
“Willow, we’ve got a kid in the ward with no family. Got anything?”
Willow sighed. “Declan’s parents were on board. But we think his grandparents, uncle, and two aunts were too. This may have orphaned Declan. I’ve someone trying to track down any living relatives.”
“Aw, shit, Willow. The kid’s alone here,” I replied.
“Vortex, we’re doing our best. We’ve found family members for every other survivor, bar him. Declan’s our priority.”
“Can you keep me updated and get permission for Nanci and Daisy-Duke to visit? The kid needs somebody to sit with him.”
“Sure. Anyone else?”
“For now, just them. I’ll let you know if there’s more.”
“Stay safe, Vortex,” Willow said and cut the call.
Duke and Phil peered at me.
“Well?” Duke demanded.
“Feds think Declan’s entire family was on the Titanic of the Skies,” I replied softly.
“You’re fuckin’ kidding?” Phil hissed.
“Nope. The Feds are trying to track someone down but are having no luck.”
“He’ll end up in a care home,” Duke spat, and Phil looked at him.
“You and I are cleared for foster placement,” Phil said.
“Yup. No social worker has been assigned yet, either. We can get ahead of this,” Duke agreed.
“Wait a minute,” I interrupted, “are you thinking of fostering him?”
“Do you want to see that boy shoved into a care home and forgotten?” Phil demanded.
“Fuck no!”
“Then yeah, we’ll foster him if family can’t be found,” Duke replied.
I snorted. These two men made it that simple. No discussion, no nothing, just the kid needed a home, and that was final. If only everything were that easy.
“We’ve got food coming for the relatives. I bet you’re all sick of hospital crap by now. The canteen here is awful,” I said.
“You’ve no idea.” Phil pulled a face.
“The prospects should be here soon. They’re also bringing coffee.”
“Oh, thank heavens,” Duke exclaimed and placed his hands together as a prayer. “The coffee is swill in this place.”
“Yeah, I’ve experienced it before. Can I speak to Amy?”
