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‘But it took you several months to speak to us. You took to Ben right away, and we’d often find you snuggled in his bed after we’d put you in your own room. We were told you were an only child, but that didn’t seem right because you were so happy with other children. You were happiest snuggled with Ben by the fire, or in big playgroups and classes. You were sociable even when you were silent, but you were reserved with your father and me. For a long time.’
Mum had said in the past that I was a quiet child but we’d never talked frankly about my childhood. All I could remember were nights spent snuggling with Ben, and Mum and Dad being very kind. I didn’t remember ever distrusting them or not liking them. ‘That must have been hard for you,’ I offered lamely.
‘You were healthy and happy with Ben. Adopting a child is always a big deal, and you never really know what your child has experienced. We were prepared for it to be a hard road – and it wasn’t hard for long, Lucy. You soon started to love us. You were shy with us at first, but you warmed up and we’ve never looked back or regretted it. You’ve been our daughter since you walked in our door. It just took a while for us all to settle.’
My heart constricted painfully in my chest. ‘Thanks, Mum.’
‘Now,’ she said briskly, ‘you can have the papers, though I’m afraid they won’t be much help.’
‘What do you mean?’
‘Your birth parents’ details are all gone.’
‘Gone?’
‘Yes,’ she confirmed. ‘It’s the oddest thing. I remember seeing the completed papers quite clearly. The details are fuzzy but I’msurethey were completed. Anyway, when you were sick I dug them out and they were blank. I thought perhaps the ink had faded, but my details and your father’s were there, so it seemed odd. I applied to the agency for another copy and they sent me the same document – complete with blank spaces. Your parents’ names and dates of birth are gone. The agency apologised profusely, but it seems they haven’t retained a complete copy of your papers.’
I slumped back dejectedly in my chair. ‘So that’s it?’
‘As I said, you can have the copy of what I’ve got. Perhaps Jess could do some digging for you?’
I brightened. ‘That’s a great idea! If anyone can find out something, it’s Jess.’
I changed the topic and we chatted about Ben and his latest love interest. Mum wasn’t too fussed about her. We talked about Dad’s latest baking endeavours, and it did me good to chat about normal things. Thankfully, Mum didn’t harangue me about taking up my old job again. She couldn’t wrap her head around my decision to quit being an accountant to become warden of an old mansion instead.
‘How are you getting on with the mansion occupants?’ she asked.
‘Better,’ I said happily. ‘I think I’m making some headway.’
‘I’m glad to hear it. You’re a social soul, and you can win over anyone if you put your mind to it.’
Except grumpy werewolf packs. ‘I’m trying,’ I agreed.
‘Trust isn’t built overnight. I’d better go, darling. My shift starts in an hour and I need to get cracking.’
‘Okay, Mum. Love you.’
‘Love you, Lucy Caboosy.’
We rang off, then I blew out a breath and dialled Jess. No time like the present.
Chapter 11
‘Hey!’Jessgreetedmehappily.
‘Hey. You okay?’
‘I’m great. I wrapped up a tricky case this morning.’
‘Congratulations. Anything juicy?’
‘A kiddie kidnap, actually.’
I winced. ‘Ugh, horrible.’
‘It was, but it all ended happily.’
‘I’m glad to hear about it. Talking about kids – I want to look into my birth parents.’
