Learning to Live Again

Chapter 4

The interview with Bobby was horrifying, and Mike had been a homicide cop who thought he had already heard everything. Bobby had been physically and emotionally abused. He had attached himself to Mike and Mike had some thinking to do. Did he want to be a long-term foster situation, or did he want to give Bobby some stability and adopt him?

"It would not be difficult to get Jerry's rights terminated. If you are willing to adopt Bobby, it would be even easier." Katherine explained. Bobby was sitting in the living room, watching a National Geographic special. He loved watching them.

"What would that take?" Mike asked as he poured another cup of coffee for Katherine.

"Well, you have a home. It is safe. You will need to make it a bit more child-friendly, but that is easy, and you said you were already planning on getting some toys and such. Your name stands on its own. You do have one huge disadvantage." Katherine said.

"What's that?" Mike asked.

"You're single. The court will grant a single person an adoption, but it would be a much easier pill to swallow if you weren't." Katherine explained.

"No Mrs. Slattery waiting in the wings and I am not up for dating. If I am to adopt that little boy, it will have to be done with my present situation in mind. I can make things child friendly; I can take Bobby to the doctors and counselors and I can give him stability, care and even love, but I am not up for a relationship." Mike said.

"Why not? Was your marriage unhappy?" Katherine asked.

"It was less than perfect but I loved Christine. The fact that I am even doing this with Bobby is a miracle. Everyone I touch, I taint. Death and destruction follows me around like a puppy." Mike explained.

"So why are you?" Katherine asked.

"Are there any other foster homes for him to go into?" Mike retorted.

"There are, but one of them already has six foster kids. I suspect they are only fostering for a check and for free child labor. The other one is an older couple. Bobby is going to have some special needs and needs some individual attention. I truly believe you are his best option and he really seems to love you." Katherine said.

"Not sure its love as much as it as a 'hero complex.' He sees me as his rescuer." Mike remarked.

"He has never had anyone that cared for him. Just you and Miss McDonald." Katherine said she stood up and gathered her paperwork.

"So, what next? You've given me the medical cards, the vouchers and all the appointment dates and times. We see the judge next week to give him an update. What if Jerry bonds out?" Mike asked.

"We'll call. I doubt he will. His bond is pretty high. I'm honestly more concerned about him going after Miss McDonald. He's convinced she is the one that facilitated this." Katherine said.

"I'm sure Sheriff McDonald will put the fear of God into him on that measure. Just let me know if he does bond. My head is always on a swivel. I just can't understand how someone can hurt a child like Bobby, but then when someone else wants him cared for, it becomes the crime of the century." Mike said.

"It's a 'I don't love him, but I don't want you to love him either.' I will call you to check up on him and give updates as I have them. Don't hesitate to call with questions. You are on all of Bobby's paperwork so you can take him for appointments." Katherine said.

"Thanks. Miss McDonald is coming to visit this evening. I hope that is okay?" Mike asked.

"Of course." Katherine said. She squeezed Bobby's shoulder before leaving. Mike grabbed another cup of coffee and sat down next to Bobby, who was completely intent on the show about polar bears.

"Do you want to watch a cartoon or something?" Mike asked.

"No, I like this!" Bobby answered. Mike put an arm around him and smiled down at him. He had no idea what his next steps were. Did he want to draw Bobby into his lonely world? Could the little boy brighten things up? He knew how to care for a child and could provide Bobby a happy home. Was he willing to tempt fate?