‘Yes, that’s me.’ She stood up quickly. ‘How’s Ben?’
The woman smiled. ‘He’s fine. But, before I take you to him, I need to go through a few things first.’
‘Okay.’ Anna followed her to the desk, wishing they could get this bit over and done with as quickly as possible.
Anna showed her identification as requested, giving her personal details as the woman filled in a form.
‘So you’re Ben’s stepmother, are you?’ the woman asked, putting the form to one side.
‘Ah, no, I’m afraid Ben’s been a bit stretchy with the truth there. I was in a relationship with his father, but we’re not married.’
‘Was?’
‘Yes, we split up yesterday.’ The words stuck in her throat as she said them. It was still hard to believe that they weren’t together anymore. ‘Ben lives with his mother in Cheshire. Daniel, his dad, splits his time between London and Cheshire, and I live mainly here.’
‘Sounds complicated.’
Anna sighed. ‘Yes, it is.’
‘Well, unfortunately, that changes things. If you’re not his next of kin, or even his guardian, then I’m afraid I can’t release him to your care.’
‘No, I don’t expect you to. His dad’s on his way, but it’s going to take him several hours before he gets here. I just want to sit with Ben until he gets here. Ben did ask for me. By name.’
‘Yes, he did. But he said you were his stepmother and that’s clearly not the case.’
‘That is correct, but he’s a nine-year old boy, he must be very distressed to have tried to make this journey in the first place.’
The woman’s face softened slightly. ‘Why don’t you take a seat? I’ll have a word with my superiors and see what we can do.’
Anna sat down, her body feeling as though it was jittering with tension. All she wanted to do was to be with Ben. To hold him in her arms and tell him everything would be alright.
Finally the woman returned. ‘Well, I’ve spoken to my superiors, and although this is not normal protocol, in the absence of his next of kin, because of the time it will take for his father to get here, and because Benjamin asked for you specifically, we will allow you to sit with him until his father gets here. However, one of our officers will be present with you in the room at all times. Do you agree to that?’
‘Yes, of course I do,’ Anna said, relieved that she was finally going to be allowed to be with Ben.
* * *
‘Anna!’ Before she was even through the door, Ben jumped up from the chair he was sitting on and hurtled into her arms.
‘Oh, Ben!’ She clutched him to her. ‘Thank goodness you’re safe.’
‘I’m glad you’re here.’
‘I’m glad I am too. But, Ben, what were you thinking?’
He shook his head and she could see tears welling in his eyes. She realised she was being too heavy-handed.
‘I’m sorry. Please don’t cry. Take your time.’
‘Can I get any of you a drink?’ the woman from the desk asked as Ben pulled away from Anna.
‘I’d love a coffee,’ Anna said gratefully.
‘And perhaps some squash and biscuits for Ben?’ The woman looked to the officer who was already sitting with Ben. ‘Coffee? it might be a long wait.’
‘That would be good thanks.’ The officer took out his phone — an attempt to give some privacy while still being in the room.
‘I’m sorry,’ Ben said, hugging Anna once more, his words muffled by her jumper. ‘I’ve caused a lot of trouble.’
