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Walker looked at her again. “How? What about my son? He must hate me.”
“I don’t think he hates you.”
“Then why is he doing this to me?”
“Mr. Walker, Jerome isn’t doing this to hurt you.” Melanie wasn’t entirely sure about that, but she had to mollify this man if she wanted to succeed. “Perhaps it’s just a phase. Kids go through them all the time.”
“Have you seen it often?”
“I have to be honest. This is my first guidance counselor gig, so I can’t give you any empirical data. Perhaps talking to him about his clothing choices might give you some clarity?” she suggested.
“How is that going to happen if his mother has taken him away?”
“We can work on that. What if we set up a counseling session with the three of you?”
“Would you be the counselor?”
“No. I’m not well-versed on family affairs, but I would certainly support any recommendations and follow up at school.”
“Can you arrange for it?” His willingness seemed genuine.
Melanie sensed he was remorseful and ready to give counseling a try.
“Yes. But you need to be able to accept any choices Jerome makes.”
He was silent. Then said, “My kid. Mrs. Doubtfire.”
Melanie burst out laughing. “Now there’s the spirit.”
His expression changed. “Come to think of it, that movie was on a few weeks ago. Okay. You have my total attention. I will do whatever you recommend, a counselor recommends, or what RuPaul recommends.”
“Mr. Walker, you do have a sense of humor. You should lean on it more often. Instead of getting angry at things that annoy you, try to make a joke of them. For example, when the light isn’t changing fast enough for you, look up at the traffic light and say, ‘I know you’re doing this on purpose.’ ”
That made him laugh. “Yeah, I guess it’s pretty stupid to get angry over something like that.” He paused. “I don’t know why I let that stuff get to me.”
“Like I said, that’s something you can work on. Lights are going to do what they do; people are going to be jerks when they want to. It’s all about how you react to those stressors.”
Melanie checked her watch. Gilmour was sitting outside the café just in case things got dicey. She caught his eye and gave him another secret sign that things were going well.
“I’d better get back to my office.” Melanie stood. “Mr. Walker, why don’t you come with me, and I’ll put you in touch with a counselor. I suggest you make a few appointments just for yourself. Get a handle on your temper. After a few weeks, we can bring Mrs. Walker and Jerome into it.”
He was nodding thoughtfully. “Where will Pat and Jerome be in the meantime?”
“They’ll be staying where they are for the time being, but we can put a schedule together. And I’ll give you a list of schools where you can take some online courses.”
“Okay. Sounds good.” He held the door open for her. “Ms. Drake, you just might save the world.”
Melanie let out a guffaw. “One kid at a time.”
They walked back to the school, with Gilmour following them. Again, Walker held the door open for her, and they made their way to her office.
Lynch and Audrey had been waiting anxiously for them to return. “All good?” Audrey Alexander called out.
“All good,” Melanie responded, with a sense of satisfaction.
“Please take a seat.” She motioned toward a chair and shut the door. She could hear Lynch’s footsteps moving closer to her office. He’d be right outside if she needed him. She picked up her phone and buzzed Audrey’s office. “Could you please tell Agent Gilmour I’ll be a few minutes?” She listened. “Thanks.”
“Agent Gilmour?” Walker asked.
