seems to have latched on to the notion that you are responsible for him. And when I say quick, I am referring to this meeting only.â
âDo you mind if we come in and sit?â
âOf course.â The Greek walked to the gray couches and sat in a folding chair adjacent to them. He smelled of linseed oil. Jason glanced at Leiah and saw that she was watching the hall. He took her elbow and they joined Nikolous.
âWhere is he?â Leiah asked.
âWith Martha. His caretaker. They will be out momentarily.â One look at Nikolous and any judge with his head screwed on tightly would want testimony on his worthiness. Jason would give testimony, all right, but it wouldnât be to worthiness.
âNow, I want to be perfectly clear,â Nikolous said. âIf you have any misguided notions of making new arrangements for this boy, you should dismiss them. We have full custody of the child.â He frowned confidently. âIâm not interested in your taking him off my hands. What I am interested in is your help with Calebâs transition. The first days in such a new environment can be difficult, as Iâm sure you well know. He seems to have taken a liking to you.â
âAnd not you? Why not?â
The frown deepened. âNo need to be smart. These things take time. In the meantime you can help him. He will live here, under our care, but it might be useful for him to receive visits from you until he grows accustomed to his new home.â
âWell, to be honest with you, Father, Iâm no longer sure this should be his new home.â
âAnd Iâm really not interested in what youâre sure about, Mr. Marker. Iâm more concerned with the child. And I need your help with the child.â
A heavyset woman with long black hair, wearing a dress that was two sizes too small, suddenly marched from the hallway. Caleb stepped out from her shadow and stopped. He still wore the same gray slacks and white shirt theyâd dressed him in yesterday. His face lit up at the sight of Leiah and Jason, and he walked quickly for Leiah. He slid onto the couch next to her, and she put an arm around his shoulders.
âHello, Caleb.â
âSelam,â he said with a smile.
âAnd thatâs another thing,â Nikolous said. âHe simply must stop talking in this nonsensical language of his. You did say he knows Englishââ
âGeâez,â Leiah snapped. âHis language is Geâez. And why do you insist on making comments like that in front of him? He understands you.â
âIf he understands, then tell him to speak when spoken to.â
âHeâs in shock. You canât expect him to answer every question you throw his way.â
Nikolous motioned to the woman. âPlease sit, Martha.â
She sat without expression.
âThis is the boyâs caretaker, Martha.â She dipped her head. âNow heâs been positively insubordinate to Martha. And perhaps you are right. Perhaps his insubordination is the result of shock. Which is precisely why we need your help in easing him past this initial phase of transition. We have decided that daily visits immediately following the lunch hour would be good for the child.â
Martha sat like a frog on her chair, bunched up and unmoving. This whole sham was absurd. It felt like something out of a Charles Dickens novel. The judge would take one look at this woman and refuse guardianship.
The boy was absently examining his fingers now. Jason looked at Nikolous sitting stiffly in his chair. âI think Iâve had enough of this craziness. Thereâs no way weâre leaving this boy in your charge. Heâs clearly not suited to you. Youâre too impatient and too heartless to be this boyâs guardian. Iâm going to recommend the judge deny guardianship.â
âOn what grounds, my friend?â Nikolous asked.
Jason had expected a bolt of lightning from
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