Page 117 of Ravage

“It was on the news. They thought it was gang related. I don’t know.” She wrapped her arms around herself and sighed. “He struggled with addiction… her mother, too. They think he’d gone there to score drugs, or he might’ve been selling for them. Carla wasn’t sure.”

“What does that mean for Poppy?”

“Her temporary fostering situation might become less temporary.”

“Does she know?”

“Yes, and she’s struggling with it.” Emery’s eyes were filled with anguish as she told me, “She’s bringing her in for another session on Monday. She thinks it might help.”

“I’m sure it will.”

“One session isn’t going to fix this.”

“You say that like you have something on your mind.”

“I just wish I could do something.” Her eyes met mine. “Poppy’s very special to me, Cole. She’s not like the other kids.”

“What do you want to do?”

Her voice cracked when she asked, “What can I do?”

“That’s not what I asked.”

“There’s not much I can do, Cole.”

“There’s always something.” I walked over to her and slipped my arm around her waist. “You need to find out what your options are.”

“I don’t even know where to start.”

“Call her caseworker. Find out what the plan is and what the choices are.” Her eyes filled with hope as I continued, “Find who will be considered for placement and what you can do.”

“She’s so young.”

“I know.”

“She’s already lost so much.”

“So find out what you can do… what we can do.”

“We?”

“Absolutely.”

“You don’t even know what you’re agreeing to.”

“Neither do you.” I pulled her closer. “I’m here. I’ll help any way I can.”

She smiled as she wound her arms around my neck. “You’re the best.”

“I know.” I cocked my brow. “Which is why you should move in with me.”

“I thought you were going to give me time to think about it.”

“I am. Just pleading my case.”

“It’s definitely tempting.”

“Then it’s working.”