Page 61 of Seal of Approval

“That’s right. Our solicitor will help make sure that your dad sees you only after the family court says he can, when you’re ready.”

“I don’t want to see him. He’s a bad person.”

“I know.”

Bailey was still quiet. What was he thinking about back there? Was he as scared as Rose? It wasn’t good for him to bottle his feelings up.

We parked at the campground and hopped out of the car. There was a cleared area for tents and campers which surrounded a fire pit and a small amenities block.

“Bailey and I will clean the amenities. You can start out here,” Ethan said.

I cocked my head. It was unusual for him to take charge like that. “Come on, Rose, let’s make sure the area around the fire pit is clean. It will stop any accidental fires.”

She skipped away and I followed. Ethan and Bailey went into the bathroom.

“You were quiet in the car,” Ethan said, the sound travelling easily across the space.

Rose was singing to herself, clearing the area and paying no attention to the conversation I was listening to. I imagined Bailey shrugging.

“Do you want to see your dad?”

Silence. Was there a shrug or a shake of the head? Maybe a nod? Was my fear stopping him from having a relationship with Max?

“No. I hate him.” Bailey’s voice was quiet. “It was my fault Mum nearly died.”

My heart squeezed. I wanted to hug him. I wanted to tell him it wasn’t his fault.

“Your dad did a very bad thing. He did it. Not you.” Ethan’s voice was insistent but gentle.

“I let him into the house.”

“Bailey, you were six years old. He tricked you. You didn’t know what he was going to do.”

“As soon as I opened the door, I knew I shouldn’t have.” Bailey was crying. “He was…he was really angry. His face was red and all screwed up.” His voice was filled with tears and anguish.

What was Ethan doing? Was he comforting him? I turned to Rose. She was nearly finished. “Can you check the walking track for me, please? See if the signage is good? Don’t go too far though.”

She nodded and set off.

“It’s OK, Bailey. It’s OK,” Ethan said, his voice soothing. “Your smart thinking saved your mom and Rose. You called the police. You saved them.”

Bailey slowly regained control of his sobbing. Ethan led him out of the bathroom and sat on a log with him. I took that as my cue to join them and sat beside Ethan.

“Why did he have to come back?” Bailey asked.

“I think people like your dad don’t like losing,” Ethan said.

“What do you mean?”

“My dad was mean to me all the time. I would try to do what he wanted but it was never good enough. Was your dad like that?”

Bailey nodded.

“He did that because he wanted to control you. And he still wants to. That’s why he came back.”

“How can we make him leave?”

“I don’t know. I hope the police will help us like they helped you that night.”

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