“Thank you, sir.”
Judge Adams looks me in the eye. “Your grades are good. Your attendance is perfect. You’re working and from what I understand, have developed a skill for culinary arts. You have six months left of high school and I want you to make the most of them. Apply for college or trade school.” He holds contact. “Don’t let me down, Dexter.”
I blink. “So I’m done?”
“Yes. You’re done—released from probation.”
I exhale, loud and long. I turn behind me, immediately looking for Sierra, but she’s not there. My eyes shift to Starlee, whose smile is bright, and her mother and Mrs. Nye both give me encouraging grins.
“I won’t let you down,” I say to Judge Adams, walking up to the bench and reaching over to shake his hand. He stands and clasps mine and it feels like the end of a deal. I hope to never see this man again.
“Take a seat, Dexter, we need to move to the family services part of this meeting.”
As much as I want to feel complete freedom right now, I can’t. Sierra’s still not here.
41
Starlee
Dexter looks like a thousand-pound weight has been lifted off his shoulder as he takes his seat and Mrs. Delange and Mr. Jameson both stand, shifting to the middle of the courtroom. Dex glances over at the twins, but they shrug. Something is off. Sierra’s absence is notable.
“Judge Adams,” the female social worker begins, “as you know, Sierra Falco, the foster parent of these four boys, has pushed to get her license returned after a few questionable violations, that mostly stemmed from what seems to be false reports to the police and miscommunication.” She takes a breath. “Concerns about
their neighbor Starlee Jones is no longer an issue. She’s proven herself to be a good student, involved in community service and an asset to the community. The runaway status never should have been issued—an unfortunate clerical error that should have been addressed months ago.”
My cheeks heat when she mentions my name, but it’s nice to hear something good said about me. Jake, who sits on one side of me, bumps my leg with his and smiles.
“After the recent altercation between the Evans boys and their father, an attempt at reunification is no longer an option. Their father is awaiting trial for a series of crimes—all directly related to his violent behavior toward the boys.”
“I agree that they should definitely not be returned to their father,” Judge Adams says. I hold my breath. They may not have to go back, but where will they go?
Mr. Jameson speaks up. “As of this morning, the State was ready to reissue Ms. Falco’s license and allow the boys to return to her home. As you know, we’ve had a change in plans.”
Judge Adams frowns and leans forward on his elbows. “Yes, Ms. Falco came by my office this morning. I’m aware of her decision to relinquish her role as foster parent.”
“What?” Jake shouts, hopping from his seat next to me.
“Mr. Hollingsworth,” Judge Adams says, “please sit down.”
I reach for his hand and tug him down and he look down, panic-stricken.
The twins both shift uncomfortably in their seats. Charlie pushes his glasses up his nose and George rubs his neck. Dexter stares at his hands—his good news dashed in a heartbeat.
“So, we have four boys without a placement.”
“I’m eighteen,” Jake blurts.
“Yes,” Judge Adams says. “You’re of age, but you still have to have somewhere to live, and I know with your athletic aspirations you don’t have time for a job outside of the Wayward Sun.”
Jake’s jaw clenches and I take his hand. This boy is all about control and I can tell he feels it slipping through his fingers.
“So we need to look for immediate placement,” Judge Adams says. “Any suggestions?”
“That’s easier said than done,” Mrs. Delange replies.
I feel my mother shift next to me, whispering to Leelee. God, the last thing we need is for her to insert herself in this. Everything about this situation is like her worst nightmare.
“Judge Adams,” I hear her say, and I shake my head.