Pasg Hapus/Happy Easter

It Takes One To Know One

Chapter 95

"Right.. .." Gary Elias said as he set his empty mug down onto the coffee table. " Actually... I think I'd better start by saying that you don't have to accept this placement, if you have any concerns, concerns that I am unable to allay, then I and the department will understand if you feel unable to commit."

Aaron glanced over at Jackson, he too looked a little taken aback by Gary's words, just seconds ago he was asking them if they were ready for anything and everything now it sounded like he didn't think they were.

"You really think we would give up on a kid before giving him a chance?" Jackson couldn't keep the disbelief out of his voice.

"No, most definitely not, I apologise if that's how it sounded. It's just that in this boy's case... well things are a little out of the ordinary. I'm obliged to follow protocol and make it clear that you have that option."

"Out of the ordinary?" Aaron was more than a little intrigued by that comment.

"Yes. Of course it goes without saying that each case is unique, but in this instance we have something that sets it apart. The thing is... he's a bit of a mystery."

Aaron's eyes widened, "A mystery?"

"Well there's very little I can tell you about him. His name is Bryn, or so he tells me. I doubt very much that's his real name but for now that's what's on his file. I don't have a surname, I don't know his real age either but I'd guess him to be around 14 or 15. He's certainly not eighteen which is what he told the police officers who brought him to our attention."

"So why are the police involved?" Jackson hoped it was over something and nothing.

"He was caught shoplifting, stuffing crisps and cans of pop under his hoody. The shop owner called the police, but to their credit they were more concerned with his health than what he'd done. They were right to be concerned, they called their doctor and he had him admitted to hospital. He was found to be very dehydrated and it seemed he hadn't eaten in days..."

"That's why he was stealing food!" Aaron knew desperate times called for desperate measures.

"I'd say so. He's refusing to give us any info about himself, and he's not matching any descriptions of a missing child. I'm certain he's a minor so I can't just let him go off on his own. The problem is he's an unknown commodity and because of that I have to be mindful of where I place him. I can't in all conscience place him with other children, and some foster parents wouldn't agree to take him knowing nothing of his background."

"Where is he now?" Jackson was already worrying about the lad.

"In Hotton General, they kept him in for a few days, he was on a drip the first night, but he's been eating everything set before him ever since, so he's in good health now. I was hoping they would keep him in until Monday but they need the bed. So he's for discharge tomorrow as long as I can find him somewhere for him to go."

Jackson knew most people hated being in the hospital and wondered how the lad coped with the confinement,"Any problems with him there?"

"None whatsoever, the ward Sister told me he was 'no trouble and very polite'. He hasn't been at all forthcoming with his details but he has been cooperative otherwise."

"And there's no more you can tell us?"

"Not about him, but I do have this... "Gary reached into his pocket and pulled out a scrap of paper passing it over to Aaron and Jackson to see. "It was found in his pocket."

"It's an address, you've checked it out?" Jackson asked hoping it had shed some light on the situation.

"I have and unfortunately it doesn't exist anymore, the area was flattened six or so years ago to make room for a shopping complex. I asked him about it and he said the paper wasn't his, that he knew nothing about it. I'm not so sure about that though, he'd looked a little crestfallen when I told him."

"He's a runaway maybe and was making his way to that address for some reason?" Jackson thought that sounded plausible.

"That's why I'm leaving it with you... that's if you are happy to take Bryn?"

"Of course we are!" Aaron said knowing he could speak for both him and Jackson.

"Good!" Gary smiled broadly before adding, I know I shouldn't show any bias but as much as I admire and respect all the foster parents in my catchment area, I think you are the most suitable to take him in."

...

Aaron and Jackson were sitting in a quiet corner of the Woolpack, tucking into steak and chips, they hadn't fancied 'tonight's special' but knew they would enjoy the meat option. They were determined to make the most of what Cain had called their 'last night of freedom'. It might well be for a while but they didn't mind, and were both eager to get on with things. Everyone was pleased for them, even Jackson's dad although he had spent a good half hour on the phone telling him to be wary, reminding him of the grief Jon had caused. They didn't need reminding but it was all in the past as far as they were concerned, they had moved on. Russ had, like Cai, been a success story. They were under no illusions and knew not every case would have a happy ending, but both were equally determined to make a difference to a child needing a safe and loving home.

After downing the last of his pint Jackson caught Aaron's eye, "Fancy an early night?"

"You tired?" Aaron grinned.

"No." Jackson grinned back, "Are you?"

"Not really. I suppose we should take Cain's advice and make the most of tonight?"

"Back to ours then?"

"Yeah" Aaron beamed, "Back to ours!"

tbc.