Page 28 of The Vanishing Place
“That’s the time frame issue,” said Lewis.
“Are they sending someone down?”
“Not exactly.” Lewis chewed on his lip. “I haven’t contacted Oranga Tamariki yet.”
“I don’t understand.” Effie looked from Lewis to June.
“I’m not obligated to inform them”—Lewis shifted in his chair — “if I can place the child with a family member.”
“With you,” said June.
“What?” Effie stood and took a step back. “You can’t be serious.I don’t even know her.” She pressed her palms to her forehead. “She’s never even met me.”
“Well, let’s just ship her off to the authorities, then.” June raised an eyebrow. “From the West Coast bush to Christchurch. You’re right. She’ll fit right in.”
“June, that’s not what I—”
Lewis held his hands out, more diplomatic than Effie remembered. “I think we should all take a moment.”
“We don’t even know if we’re actually related.”
“Please.” June rolled her eyes.
“And wouldn’t this O-Otanga something—”
“Oranga Tamariki,” offered Lewis.
“Wouldn’t they want proof of a family relationship?”
“Ha.” June laughed.
“I’m just asking you to think about it,” said Lewis. “Please, Effie.”
“Just think quickly,” added June.
“This is insane.” Effie’s thoughts spun.
There was a soft thud, then another, and she turned around.
Effie gasped.
The kid was there. Her arms hung at her sides, red hair falling to her waist, and she stared at them.Shit. Her feet were bare and she was wearing aFrozennightdress that came halfway down her shins. A small green pendant hung around her neck, the jade stone clear against the light blue cotton, and she had a silver scalpel clasped in one hand.
“Didn’t you clear out the consultation room?” Effie hissed.
“Of course I did,” whispered Lewis. “She must have taken it from Kyle’s room.”
Shit. Effie blinked twice. The kid looked just like her.
Lewis took a step forward, his movements slow and unthreatening, but it was too late. The girl lunged forward, a blur of limbs and matted hair, and threw herself at Effie. She collided with Effielike a bullet, her scrawny frame more bone than flesh. Effie reacted on instinct, ready to protect herself, to pull the child into her and hold her tight.
But Effie stopped. Stunned.
The child was hugging her. The girl’s thin arms were wrapped around her body, clinging to her, and she was crying.
“Please,” she whispered.
Effie lowered her head so she could hear.
