I have studied his case. I know his story, at least regarding the written record. He’s been through a lot—drug addiction, jail, rehab—and found redemption. But the risks are immense, and I can’t shake this unsettling feeling. I need to hear his story, see it in his eyes, and learn about the children. Then, I can decide if Seth is right for them.
I need to be convinced first. A judge would likely focus only on the client’s past, not present or future potential. Assuming there is any real potential.
I instinctively shift my eyes to Seth, studying his figure briefly.
“You are worryingly quiet,” Seth laughs nervously.
“I was just…”
Observing you. And not just professionally.
I shake my head hard to banish this absurd thought from my mind and clear my throat.
“I was wondering how big this apartment was because, at first glance, it looks quite small.”
“Let’s say it’s intimate.”
The way he says that word slips under my skin.
I clear my throat.
“Would you like a glass of water?” Mason asks.
“Would be great. Thank you.”
He disappears towards what I imagine is the kitchen while I turn back to Seth.
“Do the kids all sleep together?” I ask him.
“Logan and Emily sleep together.”
“So there are two bedrooms for the kids,” I note. “It seems smaller than it is.”
Seth clears his throat as well. “They sleep in my room.”
“Hmm?”
“There is only one bedroom that I gave up to Logan and Emily. Mason sleeps in the box room where I used to keep the sewing machine. It’s not much, I know, but I’m trying to slowly turn it into a room for a teenager. Not easy to find another place for fabrics, pearls and…”
“Seth,” I stop him before he gets lost in his own explanations.
“I sew in my spare time. I help with stage costumes.”
A creative. I suspected that.
“It helps that too, you know? They pay me. And I also help with make-up. Well, that’s not my job, but the girls don’t want anyone else but me and…”
“Seth.”
“I was speaking too much and without being asked. Roger that.”
The kids giggle.
“Leaving aside costumes and make-up,” I look around, puzzled. Seth must understand the nature of my concern.
“I sleep here,” he says uncomfortably.
“Here…”
