Cathy Glass - A Baby’s Cry

‘Hello, Michael, it’s Cathy Glass,’ I said, trying to keep the anxiety from my voice.

‘Hi, Cathy. What can I do for you?’

‘Michael, am I right in thinking that with a Section 20 the parents are usually given the foster carer’s address?’

‘Yes. Usually. Why? Is there something wrong?’

‘I’m not sure. How much do you know of Harrison’s case?’ I asked carefully.

‘Not a lot, I’m afraid. If you explain the problem I can advise you, or I could phone Jill. She’s not on duty this weekend but she won’t mind if it’s an emergency and I can’t help.’

I hesitated. It wasn’t exactly an emergency and while I didn’t want to disturb Jill unnecessarily on her day off, I wasn’t sure it was wise to explain Harrison’s case to Michael. Given the level of confidentiality surrounding Harrison it was possible that only Jill and the manager at Homefinders were aware of his background.

‘Michael, would you mind phoning Jill, please?’ I said. ‘It’s not an emergency but I would appreciate her advice.’

‘OK, if you’re sure I can’t help?’

‘It’s very complicated,’ I said. ‘It would be easier if I talked to Jill.’

‘Of course. I’ll phone her right away. Shall I tell her to phone your landline or mobile?’

I paused. ‘Mobile, please. I’m just going out.’

‘OK. Will do.’

I thanked him and, after replacing the handset, returned down the hall, where Adrian and Paula were still keeping Harrison amused. As I didn’t know how long it would be before Jill returned my call I decided we’d continue with our shopping trip rather than wait in. I’d take Jill’s call when it came through on my mobile.

I opened the front door and checked the street. The woman was nowhere to be seen. Adrian and Paula followed me out of the house and I closed and locked the front door. I checked the street again as the children got into the car and I strapped Harrison in his car seat under the seatbelt. With another glance around I climbed into the driver’s seat and was about to start the engine when my mobile rang. I took the phone from my bag and saw it was Jill’s number. I pressed to answer. At the same time I got out of the car and closed the driver’s door so that Adrian and Paula couldn’t hear what I was saying.

‘What’s the problem?’ Jill asked straightaway.

‘Jill, I’m sorry to disturb you at the weekend, and it may be nothing, but Cheryl said I should report any strangers hanging around in the street. Last Sunday and then again this morning I saw a woman standing across the road, just over from our house. The first time I thought she was waiting for someone but now I’m not so sure. Each time she walked off quickly when I came out of the house. Jill, Cheryl said no one knew where Harrison was but is it possible social services have given my details to Harrison’s parents, as he’s in care under a Section 20?’

‘I shouldn’t think so, given the level of confidentiality,’ Jill said. ‘What did the woman look like?’

‘I didn’t get a very good look at her because each time she rushed off. But I’d say late twenties or early thirties, smartly dressed, average height and build with dark hair and light brown skin.’

Jill went quiet for a moment as I looked in the car window to check on the children.

‘I’ll phone Cheryl first thing on Monday,’ she said. ‘It’s no good me phoning now: their duty social worker won’t know the case. Obviously if the woman or anyone else approaches you or comes to the house, don’t take any chances: phone us or the police. We don’t know who she is or why she’s there.’

‘All right, Jill.’

We said goodbye and I got into the car, slightly spooked by Jill’s warning and her instruction to call the police if necessary.

We continued with our shopping trip but I was vigilant for the rest of the day and indeed that weekend. I checked the street every time we entered or left the house, but I saw no one acting suspiciously.

By Monday morning I was starting to think the woman’s appearance was pure coincidence and was not connected with Harrison. That was until Jill phoned.

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