Page 45 of All of Me

"It'll be fine," Drake said softly, squeezing my shoulder. "We've got this."

We went to answer the door together, Tammy still happily playing with her blocks at the table. I’d put some cheerios in a bowl with cut-up apple slices that she’d liked last time. We’d all eat the delicious-looking lasagna when he’d gone, and I blessed Miss Moira. Maybe she would give me cooking lessons?

That’s it, put your back into it.

I’d been kneading dough. Gran made her own bread, and it was fabulous. I’d always been allowed to make weird shapes with the leftovers and they’d be baked alongside her loaves. The memory of a spaceship blurred my eyes. It wasn’t fair. Gran would have adored Tammy.

Gerald Slater was a tall, thin man with graying hair and sharp eyes that seemed to take in everything at once. "Mr. Turner?" he asked, looking between Drake and me.

"That's me," I said, stepping forward to shake his hand. "This is Drake Starr."

Slater nodded at Drake before turning his attention back to me. "May I come in? I understand you are aware I was referred by Carol Benson."

We led him into the living room, where he began looking around, taking notes on a small pad. I could feel myself tensing up, wondering what he was writing. Slater saw Tammy right away, but he didn’t rush over. He noticed Maxie as well, but we didn’t hide him. This was our family. Tammy looked up as we all went back into the kitchen, her eyes widening slightly at the sight of the stranger. She didn't cry or seem overly distressed, which I hoped was a good sign.

"Hello, Tamzin," Slater said, crouching down to her. She shrank back a little, then seeing me, immediately held her arms up in demand. Drake was closest, so he unclipped her and passed her to me. She tucked her head into my neck. Slater smiled at her.

“Coffee, tea, water?” Drake asked.

“Coffee would be great,” Slater said, and I relaxed a little. He glanced at me. “As I’ve never been here, I wondered if you could show me the rest of the house?” I was expecting that, so I took him around slowly.

“We didn’t get any warning,” I said in case he saw something off.

“So I understand,” he agreed. “We have a group for new foster parents. Even if technically you’re her brother, you might find it helpful. I’ll text you the details.” I looked at him and decided to be blunt.

“If I don’t frighten everyone off,” I said pointing to my face, and for the first time he grinned. We went back into the kitchen.

“I’ve already spoken to Carol Benson and got what history they have on Tamzin. I also got a call on my way here from my boss, who had just spoken to Alison Mulgrave.”

I glanced at Drake to see if he knew the name, but he shook his head. “I don’t know who she is.”

“She’s the secretary for the Florida Department of Children and Family Services.”

“But we live—” I was about to say something stupid like we lived in Georgia, when Drake laughed.

“Let me guess. She got a call from the FBI?”

“Apparently, she is well known to the enhanced unit in Tampa, and she wanted to assure my boss that both you and Mr. Starr have worked with them on many occasions. Obviously, that has no bearing on you looking after your sister, but she wanted to assuage any concerns your abilities might raise.”

I was stunned, and so damned grateful. “We’re actually going there for Thanksgiving,” I shared confidently.

Slater nodded. “Carol told me she’d given you the number of a child therapist?” He picked up the coffee Drake had made him.

“We’ve got an appointment on Tuesday.”

“Well, the only problem I foresee is Tammy’s father. I can’t see any judge giving him custody, but he can apply for visitation. Supervised, of course.”

I tensed. I didn’t want him anywhere near her. “Do we have to agree to that?”

“It’ll be up to a judge. You might want to get a family lawyer.”

“Not a problem,” Drake said.

“No,” Slater said with a wry smile. “I don’t imagine it is.” He opened his briefcase and put his tablet away. “Any problems, questions?”

“Yeah,” Drake said. “Am I okay to help Tammy? Like bathing and things. I mean Shae’s her brother, but—”

“I understand you are in a domestic partnership?” I blinked. What was that?

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