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Not really sure how satisfying it’s going to be without all the caffeine and espresso that normally comes in it.
“Thanks, Milton,” I offer, mentioning the name displayed on his name tag that’s pinned to his black branded polo shirt.
“My pleasure.” He nods before moving on to greet the person standing behind me.
After finding a quiet booth in the back, I sit, taking out my phone. The sooner Eric gets me the paperwork the Chief needs, the sooner I can get back to work, doing what I enjoy and taking down the bad guys. In all honesty, I’d rather deal with the everyday criminal of LA than be anywhere near the DEA’s case on D’s father. With getting Gabriel back and finding out I’m pregnant, there is only so much danger I want in my life. A notorious drug lord who would probably smile to see me dead is one I don’t care to deal with.
I take a small sip of my coffee, letting the heat coat the back of my throat. It’s actually good, and dare I say, I can’t tell the difference between a regular latte or decaf.
Huh. I can deal with this for the next eight or so months. Of course, it could be longer if I decide to breastfeed, which I more than likely will if I’m able.
I set the cardboard cup down on the table, then unlocking my phone, I tap the app icon at the bottom of my screen.
Me
You were wrong! Tom is cool with me returning to duty. But I need a letter from your father releasing me back to LAPD.
Get it today, E!
Thumbing out of the app, I tap the phone call application, locating the one I saved for Child Protective Services. I’m patched through to Judy Hearn right away.
“This is Judy. How can I help you today, Detective Andrews?”
“I’d like to find out when I can get that home inspection set up. I want to move the adoption forward as quickly as possible.”
“I’m sure you do. Unfortunately, our caseload is full for the next five weeks. The earliest I can get you on the calendar would be early to mid-March. Would you like me to schedule it now?”
Crap.
I didn’t want to wait that long. I don’t know how long this process takes. I never thought to ask my dad’s lawyer. Surely someone willing, able, and with the desire to raise a child that isn’t biologically theirs takes priority, right?
“If that’s the soonest, Judy, I’ll take it. But if there is any possibility to get this wrapped up sooner, I’d like that option. I want what’s best for Gabriel and getting the adoption squared away is that first step.”
“I can assure you that won’t happen.” She lets out a dry laugh that irritates me. “I like your enthusiasm, though, and I’m sure once we get everything handled little Gabriel will be in great hands. It’s always a joy when someone takes an interest in one of our kids, even if it isn’t the bio-parents.”
Is that a dig at me? Or Drago?
“Well, considering his bio-mom was in on the kidnapping, I’d say a homeless person was better suited than her.”
“Now, now,” she says in a pacifying tone. “That’s yet to be determined. We aren’t the judge or the jury, Detective.”
No, but if I were, she’d never see the light of day. I keep that comment to myself though.
“I’ll let you get back to your other cases then. Guess we’ll talk in a few weeks.”
“Take care, Detective.”
I place my phone on the wooden tabletop, discarding it. Then scoop up my coffee in both hands, bringing it to my lips and taking a much-needed gulp, feeling frustrated. It shouldn’t be so difficult to adopt in this country. I get rules and processes, they are needed. Maybe the real problem is there are too many children needing a good home and not enough manpower to oversee it gets done and gets done right so that kids end up in good homes.
The presence of someone stopping at the end of my booth jars me out of my thoughts. Before I look up, I know it’s a well-dressed man in a business suit. The years I spent at home, never seeing my dad walk out of the house in anything but a designer suit tells me it’s a Tom Ford business suit.
I glance up, taking another sip. My eyes look from him and then to the woman standing behind him. She’s equally decked out in a red dress and matching wool coat. Red is her go-to color. It’s her power color and silence speaks just that.
“Why are you guys here?”
I look around them to see if the kids are with them, but since it’s mid-morning on a school day that’s unlikely. Still, I haven’t seen them since Christmas, and last month I was battling to keep myself from sinking into a depression. Drago had literally exited my life and Gabriel was safe, but being fostered by someone that wasn’t me.
I have a better appreciation, or acceptance and understanding, for the clinically insane. There wasn’t a moment when Gabriel was gone that I felt stable. Sadness can completely fuck up a person’s ability to function.
