Page 66 of Tanner

“When was the last time?”

He answered and Dana wrote that down as well.

Mark spoke this time. “Where does she sleep?”

Tanner looked at him. “In her room.”

“And you?”

“Mine.”

Mark glanced toward the stairs, then back at Tanner. “Can we see where she sleeps?”

Tanner’s whole body tightened before he could stop it and they must have noticed because Dana said, “We do need to check the space, Tanner.”

He wanted to tell them no. He wanted to stand up and block the stairs and ask if they were planning to count crayons and blankets next, but he did none of that.

He got to his feet. “Come on then.”

Savannah stood too fast and caught hold of his hand. Dana noticed and so did Mark. Of course they did.

Tanner led them upstairs then down the hall. Savannah’s room was small but tidy, her bed made, stuffed rabbit tucked under the blanket where she’d left it. Dana looked around without touching anything. Mark checked the window latch, glanced at the smoke alarm in the hall, then stepped back.

Back in the kitchen, Dana asked about food. Tanner opened the cupboard, then the fridge. Pasta, cereal, fruit, bread, milk, eggs. Enough for now. He saw her note that too.

“What’s your plan going forward?” she asked once they were seated again.

Tanner frowned. “My plan?”

“For Savannah’s care. Day-to-day, and longer term.”

He understood the question. He just didn’t like how it sounded. “My plan is to keep looking after her.”

Dana’s face didn’t change. “That’s not really specific enough.”

“She’s fed. She’s got clothes. She’s got somewhere to sleep.”

“Yes,” Dana said. “And we can see she’s cared for. But long term, she needs stability, education, medical care, and a legal guardian who can make decisions on her behalf.”

Tanner felt something harden in his chest. “I make decisions for her.”

“Not legally.”

Tanner lowered his voice. “She’s my sister.”

Dana nodded. “I understand.”

No, Tanner thought. You don’t.

Mark leaned forward a fraction. “We’re not saying this to upset her or you. But this situation does need to be formalized.”

Tanner looked between them. “And if I can’t?”

Dana answered that one. “Then we have to look at what’s in her best interests.”

There it was. He knew at some point this would be mentioned.

Dana must have seen something in him because her tone softened. “We’re not removing her today. This is an initial visit. But we will be following up. We need names, Tanner. Family, support, anyone involved with Savannah’s care. And we need to know what steps you’re taking.”