Page 13 of Coast

“You’re a big kid for twelve.” I didn’t just say that to change the course of the conversation. The kid was tall if a little on the thin side. His hair was straight, black, and to his shoulders. With the dark brown of his eyes, his Native American background was front and center. I glanced at his brother, and as I looked him over, I saw the resemblance between the two, but the younger one’s eyes were a lighter shade of brown, and his nose was narrower with a more pointed look.

“Our mom said I get my height from my dad.”

So much for lightening the conversation. And I didn’t miss the fact he’d saidmydad and notourdad.

The receptionist called out a name, and the social worker stood. The two boys followed her and stood also. After the woman slung her bag over her shoulder, she placed a hand on each boys’ back to lead them to the front. Paxton, the youngest, stopped in front of me.

“You got kids, mister?”

I looked at him and shook my head and said, “No.”

He didn’t say another word. He just walked with Tracker and the social worker. I watched until the three of them disappeared through the door the receptionist was holding open for them.

“You were good with the boy.” I looked at Kiyaya, who had sat quietly the whole time I talked with Tracker.

“I’m not sure what I had to say helped any. The boy’s got a huge attitude.”

“Unfortunately, it’s not going to get better in foster care,” Kiyaya said.

“What?” I asked as Kiyaya continued to stare at me.

“You need to find aáyat, woman.”

I ran my hand down my face. “Hell, if you’re going to start that again, I just soon you go back to being a pain in my ass and bitching about me dragging you here.”

Kiyaya smiled, and before he could respond, his name was called. He stood and so did I.

“You don’t need to go back with me.”

It was my turn to smile. “Oh, but I am. I want to hear from the doc’s mouth, not what you tell me.”

“I’m not a liar,” he said, turned, and started walking.

“Didn’t call you one. But omitting things...not giving you a chance.”

“Hmm, I’m going to speak to Emilo. He needs to teach you more about respecting your elders.”

“Good luck with that. You can call him later, but for now, move your ass.” I followed him through the door and winked at the woman who held it open and stared at me with wide eyes.

“Now, I know why you have noáyat.”

I chuckled as I followed him into the exam room and thought of Mac. She’d probably agree with Kiyaya.

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