Jane steps outside the office, with Miss Greenlee. Ann closes the door behind them.
"Are you related to Abbie?"
"I..."
Ann continues, "I only ask, because you two look so much alike."
Jane changes the subject, "Are you aware that the Gabriel's were expecting a second child, via surrogate?"
"No I was not."
"They are, a little boy, I believe."
"Do you have information on that?"
"Not with me, but if you give me a fax number, I can send it to you."
"Have you ever considered becoming a foster parent?"
"You can't be serious. I'm a cop. I have an incredibly dangerous job, with erratic hours. I am not a good candidate."
"The only reason I ask, is because with the holiday season it is incredibly difficult to place a child. I was hoping that you would be willing to be Abbie's emergency foster parent, until we can find something more permanent."
"You mean there isn't a family to take her?"
"Not right now, no."
"Unbelievable."
"Not enough people want to be foster parents. The ones that do are mostly motivated by money."
"I don't think that would be a good idea."
"Why not?"
"It's complicated."
"This entire case is very complicated."
"What do you mean?"
"Abbie has only one living relative. A very elderly great aunt in Maine. She is incapable of taking care of her."
"Neither one of the Gabriel's had any family?"
"They were both only children, with deceased parents. And her only other relatives, her brothers were murdered."
"I see. So who will get custody of her?"
"The state, for the time being, until someone either adopts her, or..."
"Or?"
"If a close family friend stepped forward we may award them custody."
"Oh."
"Not to mention that Abigail is a product of donors. That complicates matters even further."
"Her biological father is dead."
"Yes, I am aware. However the information regarding her biological mother is confidential."
"Would you give custody to the biological mother? The egg donor?"
"Potentially, if she was interested, and a suitable candidate."
"What about the surrogate?"
"If the surrogate became interested, then we may possibly consider that, too, if there is already an established relationship with the child."
"What if I could get you the information on the biological mother, would that help?"
"Yes, I don't see how you could..."
"I'll get you the information. When I do, we can finish the conversation."
"Until then I have nowhere to place Abby."
"No where?"
"No," Ann shakes her head.
"I see."
"Would you like to become her emergency foster parent?"
"I..."
"She feels safe with you. That is incredibly important during this time of upheaval for her."
"Ok," Jane agrees.
Ann smiles widely. She returns to her office to tell Abbie the good news. Abbie bounds out of the room, with her coat, and her backpack. She smiles at Jane. Jane offers her hand. Abbie gladly takes it.
"Where are we going?" Abbie wonders.
"I..." before Jane can answer Ann interrupts.
"Jane, can I get you to sign these, please?"
"Sure," Jane agrees. She signs the paperwork, and Ann allows her to leave.
"Are we going to the police station now?" Abbie inquires as they head to the elevator.
"For a few minutes," Jane agrees.
When Jane arrives at the precinct she makes a beeline for the cafe. She finds her mother wiping down tables. Angela is so busy cleaning the tabletop she doesn't notice Jane walk in.
"Hey Ma?"
"Jane I'm working," she replies, without looking up.
"Can you take a break, and come with me?"
"Jane I have a lot to do, before lunch."
"Stanley can cover it."
"He needs my help."
"Ma, I need your help more."
"Jane, not now."
"Ma, could you look at me when I'm talking to you."
Abbie giggles, Angela's head snaps up. She stares at Jane, and the little girl.
"Not a word," Jane warns her mother.
Angela nods, "Ok."
"I need to run an errand, and I need you to come with me, so you can watch Abbie."
"Why can't I watch her here?"
"Ma," Jane taps her foot, impatiently.
Angela tosses the rag down, "Ok, are you going to introduce us, first?"
Jane nods, "Ma, this is Abbie. Abbie, this is my mom, Angela."
"Hi," Abbie smiles.
"Nice to meet you," Angela shakes her hand.
Twenty minutes later Jane parks her car, outside an office building. Abbie, and Angela sit in the backseat.
"You two stay here. I'll just be a few minutes," she promises.
"Ok," Abbie agrees.
"Anything you say dear," Angela answers.
Jane rolls her eyes, and gets out of the car.
