Until Cobi (Until Him 3)

When I hit the kitchen and see all the kids gathered there, relief and joy washes over me.

“If you’re quick, you might be able to get a cookie,” Sarah McKay says, smiling while using a spatula to lift freshly baked cookies off a pan. With another family, I might think this exact moment was staged, but with Sarah, I know it’s not; this is her life. This is who she is, the kind of mom she is.

“Thank you.” I take a cookie when Eric holds one out to me and then take a bite. “How have things been?” I ask after I chew and swallow.

“Crazy as always,” Sarah answers with a grin. Then she looks around at the kids in the kitchen. “Adult talk time, guys. Grab a cookie and head outside for a while.” All the kids groan but leave, grabbing cookies on their way outside. When the door closes behind the last one, Sarah pulls her eyes off the door and looks at me. “They’re happy. I know it’s been on your mind, but I promise you they’re happy here.” She looks away, picking up the cookie sheet, placing it in the sink, and turning the water on over it before looking at me. “Things at first were a little confusing after they found out their dad wasn’t coming back for a while, but they’ve both settled in and are coming to terms with things.”

Relief hits me hard, and I take a seat on one of the stools around her kitchen island. Mr. Shelp is going away for a few years, five to be exact, and it’s been difficult thinking that his children might have issues with their new normal, even if knowing they are better off now than they were when they were under his supervision.

“I’m glad to hear that,” I say quietly.

“They’re great kids, sweet kids.” She pulls in a breath. “I know they miss their daddy, but they’re both doing okay for right now.”

“I’m happy to hear that.” My response is instant. “If things change—”

“You know I’ll call you,” she cuts me off. “For now though, they are okay. They’re settling in.”

“Thank you. I wish…” I grab her hand across the counter between us. “I wish there were more people like you in the world. You might not know it, but you are making a difference.”

Her face softens. “All I ever wanted was a big family. Each and every child who comes into our home gives me a little piece of my dream, no matter if they stay a month or forever.”

Yes, I really, really wish more people were like the McKays. People who are just good people, people who are willing to give children a warm, safe place when they need it most.

After chatting and spending some time with each of the kids, I fill out my notes and schedule another visit. After I leave and get into my car, I check my phone, which was on silent while I was inside the house. I see a missed call from Scott, so I call him back and he answers on the third ring. While I drive back to the office, I tell him what happened Friday and about the email I got today. When he seems like he has no idea what I’m talking about, I mention Marcus and his missing money.

“Why hasn’t Marian informed me of this situation?”

At his question, my stomach drops. “Pardon?”

“Why haven’t I been informed of this situation until now?” The question is harsh, and in order not to run off the road, I have to pull over onto one of the side streets and park.

“I was under the impression that you did know about these issues.” Bile crawls up the back of my throat. “Marian told me that she’d been working with you on finding out who’s responsible, since this is not the first time funds have gone unaccounted for.”

“Good Lord.” He sounds worried— actually… freaked. “I’m going to have to call you back. I need to figure out what the fuck is going on.”

“Okay,” I say quietly.

I stare out the front windshield for a long time, trying to figure out what I’m feeling, what I’m going to do. I should have known not to trust Marian. I should have questioned what she was saying the moment I saw her in my office, and I sure as heck should have done more research after Reggie called me to tell me about Marcus’s money.

“How the heck is she getting the money?” That, I do not know.

When I get back to the office, the parking lot is empty, so I know everyone is out. I use my key and let myself in and leave the door unlocked for anyone else who comes back. As soon as I get inside and reach my desk, I start up my computer. I search through all my files, looking for what exactly, I have no idea, but there has to be something I’m missing, some reason Marian was at my desk using my computer. So engrossed in what I’m doing when my cell phone rings, I almost jump out of my skin.