Chapter 11
“Mr. Steel,” she said, “I appreciate your concern. But I need to be clear. These children have experienced a major disruption today. They need stability, not pressure.”
“I agree.”
“Your name carries influence.”
“I’m aware.”
“That influence can help, but it can also complicate things.”
“I’ll do whatever is appropriate.”
She studied me for a long moment.
“Appropriate is often less satisfying than people expect.”
I glanced toward the children. “I’m not looking for satisfaction.”
“What are you looking for?”
The answer should have been simple.
Justice.
Accountability.
The truth.
Instead, I found myself watching Owen press Captain’s paw against Lily’s sleeve to make her smile.
“I don’t know yet,” I admitted. “But they shouldn’t have to wonder whether anyone is looking.”
Maya’s face changed slightly.
Not approval.
Understanding.
“We’re checking for relatives,” she said. “So far, records show no living maternal family. Paternal side is unclear. There is a brother listed, but contact information is outdated.”
“The children mentioned him.”
“They also said they were told he didn’t want them.”
“Do you believe that?”
“I believe children repeat what adults tell them until someone shows them something different.”
I looked at her.
“That’s the second true thing I’ve heard today,” I said.
“What was the first?”
“That children who believe someone is coming cry.”
Her eyes moved toward the twins.
“And those who don’t?”
“They go quiet.”
Maya said nothing.
May you like
She did not need to.
By evening, the airport outside had shifted into a different rhythm. Business travelers had thinned. Families returning from vacations moved with sunburned faces and tired children. The sky beyond the glass darkened from silver to deep blue, and runway lights blinked like distant stars.
