The Broken Man. Josephine Cox

him down the lane to his house. ‘Like I told the others, his father was with him when I left, so I told the boy cheerio and went on my way.’

      ‘And then what?’

      ‘Well, I heard this man’s voice. He sounded angry … screeching and yelling, he was. I assumed it must be the father as I’d seen no one else about, and the Carters’ house was the only one down that lane. Then the same car I’d seen in the drive went skidding past me and onto the main road like a damned lunatic!’

      Uneasy that the woman police constable was making entries in her notebook, he reluctantly continued, ‘No sooner was the car out of sight than I heard Adam yelling my name, pleading for me to help him … in a right state he was, poor little devil. I ran back to him and when we got into the house I was shocked at what I saw there.’

      He described finding Peggy Carter, as before. ‘I’ve no idea what went on in that house, but if you ask me, nobody falls down the stairs and ends up as damaged as that poor woman.’

      He was not surprised to see the two officers exchange glances, because he suspected they must be thinking the very same as himself.

      Having explained the run of events, he glanced over at the boy. ‘No child should ever see his mother like that, and now she’s gone, and he’s like a lost soul. I gave him my word that I would not let him down.’

      ‘When you “gave him your word”, what do you mean exactly?’ the male police officer asked.

      Phil hesitated. What use was his word anyway, now that Child Welfare had got involved? But then, he must have been crazy if he had ever believed it could be any other way.

      ‘I meant that he was not to worry about anything, because I would look after him. So now I’d like to get the boy home as quickly as possible. It’s not right for him to be here just now, especially after what’s happened. He needs looking after. As far as I can tell, I’m the only one he’s got.’

      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.