The Broken Man

The male officer was sympathetic, but having dealt with deserted children for many years, he was also realistic. ‘I’m afraid it isn’t as simple as that.’

‘What’s that supposed to mean?’ Phil’s concern was heightened by his remark, even though he was sensible enough to know that what he proposed would never be allowed.

The officer spelled it out. ‘As you’re well aware, the boy’s mother has just died, and as far as we can tell, his father has abandoned him. Then there’s the question of how Mrs Carter actually received her injuries. There are still far too many questions left unanswered. As for the boy, he is not altogether your concern. You must understand, it’s our duty to see that he is kept safe until every effort is made to locate any relatives there might be.’

‘Yes, of course I understand that, but he’s a very frightened child, without anyone close to turn to. The thing is, he knows and trusts me. I’m offering to keep him safe, at my home, or if it helps matters I’ll stay with him at his house. Either way, he’ll be taken care of, and, more importantly, by someone who’s known him these past many years; since he was old enough to attend school.’

‘I’m afraid this is not an option, Mr Wallis. When a child appears to be in danger, for whatever reason, we have a legal responsibility to examine those circumstances and take whatever steps we have to take in the best interests of that child. From information received, we consider Adam’s situation to be highly sensitive; therefore needing an immediate response. As you have already explained, you are not a relative. That being the case, Adam’s welfare is a matter for the Child Welfare Department.’

He concluded, ‘Under the circumstances, there is no question of allowing the boy to return home. As I understand it, the case has now moved into the realms of a possible murder inquiry. So, until the investigation is concluded with regard to Mrs Carter’s fatal injuries, the family home will be cordoned off and kept secure. As for relatives, you can be assured that the search is already underway. Meantime, as I’ve already explained, the boy’s safekeeping remains the responsibility of the courts, and the Child Welfare Department.’

‘Yes, and that’s what I’m worried about.’ Phil spoke his mind. ‘I’m worried that they’ll put him in the children’s home, and if his father doesn’t come back, what’ll happen to him then, eh? Like as not he’ll be fostered out, and how many foster parents would choose a deeply troubled seven-year-old in preference to a younger child? Not many, in my opinion!’

‘Have you any idea where the father might have gone?’ the woman police officer asked.

‘I’ve no idea at all. How could I?’

‘So, you wouldn’t know if Mr Carter ever intended coming back?’

‘I haven’t a clue.’

When the official questions were over, Phil had a few questions of his own, such as what would happen with Mrs Carter now, and when might they be able to make plans to move her. ‘When can we begin making arrangements for her to be laid to her rest?’

Again, the answers to all of his questions were negative and unsettling. And he was grateful that Adam had remained asleep; unaware of what was being said.

Following an agonising wait, Phil was informed by the Child Welfare officers that, after discussing the case, they had reached the only decision available to them in the circumstances.

Peggy Carter’s son would be taken into care until it was established whether or not he had relatives who might want to apply for custody.

Heartbroken, Phil asked if he might be the one to relay the news to Adam. Being sympathetic to the boy’s plight, and having already realised the bond between these two, the officials agreed. So, while the officers remained by the door, Phil woke Adam up.

Seated beside Adam, Phil choked back his own emotion as he explained how everyone was concerned that they should do the right thing by him, and therefore every effort was being taken to locate his father, and track down any other of his relatives.

‘Meantime, son, you must go with the people whose responsibility it is to keep you safe and well.’

Nervously, Adam looked across at the two Child Welfare people. For what seemed an age he did not speak. Then he looked back at Phil and, in a small, quivering voice he asked, ‘Are they waiting to take me away now?’

Trying hard not to show his sorrow, Phil took a moment to reply, and even then was able only to nod, for fear of letting his emotions run away with him.

Then they looked at each other a long while, and the boy fell into Phil’s chubby arms. Holding onto him as though his own life depended on it, he confided tearfully, ‘I don’t want to go with them, Phil. I want to go with you.’

‘I know, son, and I would take you home in a minute, but it isn’t possible. But you’re not to worry. You’ll be safe enough with these people. They’ll look after you, and who knows, they might even find your real granddad, and possibly a cousin or two. You’d like that, wouldn’t you?’

Adam gave no answer. Instead, he asked, ‘When can I see my mum?’

‘Not yet, son, but when the time is right, I’ll be sure to let you know.’

‘Will you, Phil? Honestly?’

‘Oh, yes! You can depend on it!’ It was getting harder for him to hold back his emotions, but somehow he continued to remain calm and reassuring, for the boy’s sake.

‘And you’ll come and see me, won’t you, Phil?’

‘You bet I will!’

‘Are you coming with me now?’

‘No, I’m afraid not, but you’ve got Miss Benson and Mr Norman with you.’

‘But I want you there! Oh, please, Phil, don’t leave me!’ He started to cry again. ‘Don’t go, please.’

Phil addressed the Welfare officers. ‘It wouldn’t hurt if I went along too, would it?’ he asked softly. ‘It’s been such a bad day for the little chap.’

Of course, they could not deny the sobbing child this request.

‘Where are we going?’ asked Adam.

‘To the place where you’ll be living, while they look for one of your relatives,’ Phil explained. ‘Oh, Adam, wouldn’t that be wonderful … if they found someone who wanted to love and take care of you … someone of your very own?’

Adam looked away. ‘I want my mum.’

‘I know that, son. But like I said before – and I want you always to think of what I’m telling you now – your mother has gone to a better place. She’s not suffering any more, and no one can hurt her ever again.’

‘Is she still watching over us, Phil?’

‘Oh, yes. More than ever, and she always will be.’

A small, sympathetic gesture from one of the watching pair told Phil it was time to go.

Phil gave a nod, then, as he held Adam by the hand, they were led down the corridor, outside and across the car park, and into a waiting vehicle.

At first Adam resisted, but Phil stayed beside him, coaxing him into the back of the car, before climbing in alongside.

Throughout the short journey, Adam was unusually quiet, head down, his thoughts back there in the hospital with his beloved mum. Occasionally he would choke back a sob, and lean into Phil for comfort.

Phil talked calmly to him. He reminded him that he would come and see him as often as he was allowed, and that he would never let him down.

‘I mean to keep track of you,’ he said. ‘Tomorrow I’ll bring you pen and paper, and my home address, so if you feel the need to write to me, you’ll have the means. Oh, and I’ll fetch you a notebook.’

‘What for?’

‘Well, if ever there’s a time when I’m not able to visit and you might be worried, or sad, or maybe you’ve done something you feel proud of, you can put it all in your little book. Make sure to keep it safe, and we’ll talk it through when next I see you. Mind you, it’ll take a herd of horses or the end of the world to keep me from visiting. So, Adam, my boy, is that a deal?’

‘Yes, please, Phil.’

Seated upfront, the Welfare officers were touched by the very special relationship between the man and the boy.

‘The old fella was right,’ Miss Benson confided to Mr Norman. ‘If there was any justice in the world, he should have been the boy’s real grandfather.’