“Yup. We did as you said and got him new clothes. He cried because he was so overwhelmed. But we made it through. Grant and the guys at the station gave him a huge bag of Legos, which was a hit. And he loves the play set.”
“What made you call?” Donald asked as he sat down.
“Marty gave him a juice box, and when he put the straw in, a little spilled. Cameron looked frightened and then ran from the room to hide, begging us not to spank him. I’m really wondering how the previous home treated him. A little spill is no big deal. Kids make messes, and they shouldn’t be afraid they’re going to be hit because of it.”
“I’ll look into it,” Donald said. “Is there anything else?”
“Yeah. There is, and this is official business. I need your advice. I have to be able to find out if Cameron can tell us anything about the man who took him. He must have seen him.”
“I see. There’s a center in Mechanicsburg. They are really great with children, and they’ve worked with other policedepartments. I can get you in touch with them. They understand that police matters are time sensitive.” He pulled out his phone. “I’m going to send you the number so the department can contact them and get something set up.”
“Thank you.” Grant got the number and then sent a message to his Captain Robards regarding what he wanted to do. He got a response with approval right away and made the call to get a session set up. “Is Friday okay? About two?” he asked Marty, who nodded.
“Tell us what it is you want us to help you with?” the woman asked, and Grant walked away and explained the situation. “We have people who work with traumatized children. Angel is amazing and will be the person you work with.”
“Thank you. We’ll see you Friday at two,” Grant told her and ended the call, returning to where Donald and Marty were talking. Cameron and Dexter were taking turns chasing each other around the yard. It was wonderful to see them both playing.
“Just keep reassuring him,” Donald was saying. “I know that right now you’re asking all the questions. But a day will come when he asks you for something. Don’t feel the need to say yes if it’s not possible, but take that as a sign that he’s coming to trust you. And know that in a few weeks, or maybe a month, he’s going to do something bad just to test you and see if this is real or if you’re going to punish him like others have. Be prepared. It happened with Alex, and it took us both by surprise.”
“That’s good to know.”
“Mostly just be good to him. We’re starting a session of parenting classes in a few weeks. The classes are full, but I pulled a few strings and got you a place. It’s a couple of nights a week for six weeks. Once those are done, I can get you accredited as a foster parent, and then Cameron can stay with you on a nonemergency basis.”
“Good,” Marty said and took Grant’s hand after he sat. “I always wanted a family. I just didn’t think it would happen this way. But I suppose when an opportunity opens up, you have to just go for it.”
“It’s what Carter did. When he found Alex locked away in an attic, he stepped in and gave him a home. He and I didn’t like each other back then, but seeing him with Alex just warmed my heart to both of them. There’s a lot more to it, but there’s something about these kids and how, if you’re willing to give them the love and care they need, they’ll blossom into the most amazing people.”
“How old is Alex now?” Marty asked.
“He’s thirteen and growing into a fine young man. Smart as anything. Always was. Alex is going into the ninth grade next year, and in a few years Carter and I are going to have to think about sending him to college. I told him he can’t leave until he’s sixteen. He says he wants to go to medical school and already told us that he’s going to Dickinson for his undergraduate and then he wants to go to Harvard Med. He was precocious as a child, and he still is.”
“That’s pretty lofty,” Marty said.
“He met with the dean of admissions last year, and he was blown away. Dickinson has already said they have a place for him if he wants it. He’s at the top of his class two years ahead. Who knows what he’d be doing in two more years?” He definitely sounded like a proud father. “Anyway, I’m here if you need me.” His gaze settled on where Marty held Grant’s hand, and he smiled. “If you need anything, call me.”
“I will, thank you,” Marty said. Donald’s phone rang as he left the yard. “He’s one busy man.”
“Carter says he’s the best and takes his job very seriously. He’s actually the head of county Child Services and manages to help the kids and keep the bureaucracy at bay through sheerforce of will. And the fact that no one wants to tell him no out of fear he might leave and they would have to do his job.”
Cameron hurried over with Dexter right behind him. He climbed into Marty’s lap and Dexter flopped at Grant’s feel, both of them tired. Dexter closed his eyes and sighed, clearly enjoying the shade, while Cameron fell to sleep against Marty’s chest. Once he was settled, Marty held out his hand and Grant took it, loving the quiet and the chance to be together, because Grant never knew when all hell would break loose.
Chapter 7
MARTY WASnervous as he drove Cameron to Mechanicsburg on the Friday just before Memorial Day. He had met with Cameron’s schoolteacher to explain what had happened over the past few weeks, and was told that all the kids in his class were happy that he was back. Now there were just a few days left next week and the school year would be over. But the teacher gave him a list of things to work with Cameron on during the summer.
“Where are we going?” Cameron asked very quietly from the backseat. “No more pokes, okay?”
Marty nodded. “We’re not going to the doctor, and you aren’t getting a shot. I promise you that. There’s someone who wants to talk to you, and when we’re done, you can get any flavor of ice cream you want. Officer Grant will be there, and so will Dexter.”
Cameron seemed satisfied and rode quietly. Marty tried not to wonder what was going on in his head and was just glad when he arrived at the nondescript building in part of an industrial park off Highway15. Grant was already there and waiting for them.
“Thanks for bringing him,” Grant said.
“Remember what I told you,” Marty told Cameron.
He sighed the way only a kid could. “Dexter is working until Officer Grant takes off his leash and lets him go.”
Marty held out his hand, and Cameron took it. They walked inside, with Grant and Dexter behind them in full uniform. Damn, he always looked handsome and sexy like that. Marty hadto keep his mind from wandering to places it shouldn’t at a time like this.
