Mary
The nurse came to take Jax. “How’s our little guy doing?”
I looked up. “He sure has a firm grasp on my finger. Seems like he’s getting stronger every day.”
Sharon nodded. “It’s such a blessing when you see these little ones thrive, but when they don’t…”
She didn’t finish her sentence. She didn’t have to. Every time I walked into the nursery, I’d look to see who was new and who was missing. I’d noticed one of the twin boys who were usually side by side in the back corner wasn’t there. I didn’t want to say anything, but when Sharon brought it up I thought I should. “I noticed Noah’s bassinet was empty.”
Tears formed in Sharon’s eyes. “We lost him last night. He fought so hard.”
I patted her back. “You’re doing an amazing job with these little ones. I know it has to be hard. I’m sure it’s rewarding when they make it and devastating when they don’t. But whatever happens, I hope you know you’re making a difference, not only in their lives but also in the lives of their parents.”
“Thank you, Mary,” she said. “Thank you for saying that and for reminding me that what I do matters.”
“I think we all need to be reminded of that from time to time.”
I left the hospital and headed straight to Ralph’s office. When I arrived, he was waiting for me. His secretary sent me back and I knocked on his door.
“Come in.”
Ralph stood and walked around the desk to shake my hand. “Good to see you, Mary. Please.” He pointed to the chair. “Have a seat.”
I sat across from Ralph and told him about Rachel and Piper, their mom and Piper’s dad.
“So when this man showed up at Rachel’s house you said he smelled of whiskey?”
“Absolutely. The man smelled of smoke and whiskey. His speech was slurred. He looked like he hadn’t taken a bath in days. And he could barely stand.”
“Do you know where he lives?”
I shook my head. “No. About all I know is his name, which I gave you.”
Ralph leaned toward me. “I think our best bet is to prove he’d be an unfit parent.”
“Do you think we’d have trouble proving that?”
Ralph shook his head. “I’ll put an investigator on this right away to collect information, document his whereabouts, photograph where he goes and what he does. We’ll compile a case against him so thick that no judge in his right mind would deny Rachel custody. We’ll push for involuntary termination of parental rights. “
“Good, that’s what I want. If I knew I could give him a million dollars and he’d just go away I would.”
“He’d spend that and come back for more,” Ralph said. “Save your money. We’ll build a strong case and, with Rachel’s blessing and support, go after this guy. Rachel is on board with this, right?”
“She knows I was going to try and help her. I’ll sit down and explain everything to her, but I really don’t think she’ll object to any of this. She just wants Piper’s dad out of her life. The man is a menace.”
“Well, then, we have a plan. I’ll get started on this right away.”
“And you’ll keep me posted, right?”
“Of course. And knowing you, if I don’t you’ll let me know.”
I laughed. “You know me so well.”
“What I know is that when Mary McAlaster wants something done, it gets done or else.”
I stood. “Thanks, Ralph. I knew I could count on you.”
I left Ralph’s office feeling more confident than when I walked in. I couldn’t wait to tell Rachel the plan and see what she thought.
I called Rachel right away.
“Hi, Mary.”
“Are you home?”
“Actually, no. Nick and I took Piper to the park. Why?”
I told her about seeing Ralph and that I wanted to talk to her about the visit in person.
“I could ask Nick about stopping by on our way home.”
“Oh, I don’t want to interrupt your day. We’ll talk tomorrow.”
“No,” Rachel said. “I’ve been really worried about this. I’m sure Nick won’t mind.”
I could hear Rachel whispering, probably to Nick.
“Nick says it would be no problem to stop by. We were just about to leave. See you in a few.”
I was in the kitchen when I heard the front doorbell. I knew it had to be Rachel and Piper. I opened the door and Piper flew into my arms.
“Well, that’s quite a greeting,” Nick said.
“Nick, this is Mary McAlaster. Mary, this is Nick Williams, a friend of mine.”
“Rachel likes Nick,” Piper said. “She got pretty for him.”
Piper made me laugh but I could tell by the color of Rachel’s face she was embarrassed. I think Nick was trying to hold back his laughter. He covered his mouth with his hand.
“Hey, Piper,” Nick said. “Why don’t you show me that climbing tree you told me about and let Rachel and Mary talk.”
“That’s a great idea,” I said. “But be careful climbing that tree.”
Piper took Nick’s hand and they went out back. Rachel and I went into the kitchen.
“Can I get you anything to drink?”
“Maybe some water.”
I poured Rachel a glass of water and we sat down. I explained everything Ralph had told me, about the voluntary and involuntary termination of parental rights.
“Well, he’s definitely not fit to be a parent,” Rachel said. “You saw him. The man could barely stand.”
“Ralph said there are nine grounds upon which an involuntary termination petition can be granted. The one dealing with failure to perform parental duties for at least six months preceding the filing of the petition is the first and it’s probably the one we’ll go after. The evidence we’ll collect will help support our claim.”
Rachel slapped her thigh. “I just want him out of Piper’s life.”
“We’ll get there, Rachel. But it’s going to take time. After the statutory basis for termination has been established, Ralph said the court must engage in three further lines of inquiry. The parent’s explanation for the conduct…”
“Explanation? The asshole was either drunk or in jail.”
I took a deep breath. “Post-abandonment contact between parent and child and the effect of the termination on the child.”
“Ugh!” Rachel said. “Why does it all have to be so complicated?”
I patted Rachel’s hand. “I know. I hate that it’s not easier, but I trust Ralph. He knows what to do and he’s never let me down.”
Rachel looked at me. “Thanks, Mary. I’m not upset with you. I don’t know what I would’ve done without you.”
“How are you feeling, by the way?” I asked.
Rachel shrugged. “A little nervous, I suppose. Trying not to think too much about it. That only makes my anxiety worse.”
“You’re going to be fine, Rachel. Piper and I are here for you and…” I looked out the window to see Nick helping Piper climb the tree. “It looks like Nick is, too.”