Page 119 of Cross-Check

“Go. Family comes first, you know that,” Martha tells him.

The man winces. “I just pulled the Clearwater family into room two when I got the call.”

“I can handle them,” I say.

“Are you sure? You haven’t had time to go over the file,” Martha says.

“I really don’t mind.”

“Thank you. Thank you. Thank you. You are the best,” the man chants, making me laugh.

“Go, get your daughter,” Martha tells him.

“Well, it looks like you have your first family as an official staff member. The Clearwaters are on their last visit. They have complied with all of their requirements, so today is essentially a formality. Provided nothing goes terribly wrong, they will be getting their little girl back by the end of the day. Are you ready?”

“I’ve never been more ready for anything,” I say with sincerity.

“I knew you were the right person for this job. Check in with me afterward.” She hands me the file.

“You know it.”

“I’ll send the child to you once you get inside.” Martha hands me the tablet with all the information I might need for the visit.

“Sounds good.”

I take off down the hall and pause when I step in front of room number two. I take a deep breath and center myself.

This is it. I got this.

Taking a quick look at the file, I get ready to go inside.

Opening the door, I walk inside. “Hi, my name is Cora, and I’ll actually be supervising your visit today.”

“What happened to Stan?” the nervous-looking father asks.

I smile softly as I sit. “Stan had to leave for a family emergency.”

“Oh no. I hope everything is okay,” the mother says softly.

“I’m sure everything will be fine. Now before we get started, do you have any questions for me today?” I ask as I pull up their chart.

“This is our last one, right? And then we get to bring our baby home?” Mrs. Clearwater says as she wrings her hands together.

“Essentially yes, but your daughter won’t be leaving with you today. As soon as today’s visit ends, I will send off my report. Once the judge has looked it over, a decision will be made. From what I can tell based on your file, you have nothing to worry about.”

I want to tell them that it will likely still be today, but I learned early you don’t make promises to these families. You only tell them what you absolutely know.

“It’s just nerve-racking, you know, someone else taking care of your child.” Mr. Clearwater’s throat bobs. “A complete stranger at that.”

“I won’t lie to you and say I understand, because I don’t. I’m not a parent yet. With that said, though, I can’t imagine how terrifying that must be.”

“You hear so many horror stories about foster families,” Mrs. Clearwater whispers.

“Do you have a concern about where your daughter is located?” I ask as fear runs through me.

Shit. I’ve never had a report of a suspicion of abuse from a foster family.

Mrs. Clearwater shakes her head. “No, Roma seems to like them well enough, but…”

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