Syndi Powell - Finding Her Family

“I’m only trying to save one girl. Ruby.” Page took a deep breath, trying to sort out what she should say to convince him. She decided on the truth and pulled out the sheet of paper where she’d written her thoughts earlier. “Given different circumstances, I might have been her when I was her age. I know what it’s like to have no one and to wish that someone would see me. I’ve gone hungry and lived on the streets a time or two. I don’t want that life for her. I want her to feel loved and cared for. Her and her baby.”

Mateo put a hand on her shoulder and gripped it lightly. “Your Honor, Ms. Kosinski has a job that provides more than she needs. The stipend has no consideration on her decision to be a foster parent for Ruby.”

“And there is no family member who can step forward and take care of the girl?”

Page shook her head. “None she knows of. She’s quite alone.”

Judge Bond gave a short nod. “I’ve decided to grant you temporary custody of Ruby Wilson.” When Page smiled and clapped her hands together, he held up a finger. “Temporary only at this point, Ms. Kosinski. As it is, this is an emergency situation and the girl needs a home. In the meantime, I want a full investigation into her background to determine if there is no family member responsible for her. Until that time, Ms. Kosinski, you are granted full guardianship over her. If no relative is found, then we can discuss permanent placement.”

“Thank you, Your Honor.”

“Good luck, Ms. Kosinski. I have a feeling you’re going to need it.”

Page tamped down her excitement until they left the judge’s chambers, then she threw her arms around Mateo and hugged him. “Thank you.”

He tightened his arms around her. “I’m glad this went our way.”

She missed the closeness when he let go of her, but she turned to Brittney. “Thank you as well. I can’t tell you how grateful I am that you jumped on this so fast.”

“I’ll be reaching out to you once Ruby is released from the hospital. We’ll set up a time to interview her about her family. Also, I’ll be checking in randomly to be sure the placement is going well.”

Brittney nodded to Mateo and was soon out of sight.

Page couldn’t hold back her next question any longer. “Do you think we could go and tell Ruby now?”

Mateo’s smile was warm and wide. She was sure it mirrored her own. He drove them to the hospital and accompanied her to Ruby’s room. But when she pushed open the door, the room was empty. Page frowned and went to the nurse’s station. “Tiffany, where’s Ruby?”

The nurse shrugged. “She was released and left. The doctor didn’t see a reason to keep her any longer.”

Page turned to Mateo. “Where could she have gone?”

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