Page 167 - My Home on the Earth

addicts and suppliers. Thank you, Kate, carry on. Cameras are positioned around the perimeter and there are pressure detectors on the ground. Kate works closely with the CCTV operators and they alert the police if she can’t handle any trouble. We are aware the police have been looking for Jake for weeks, but he hasn’t done anything wrong except to skip off school.’
Alan nodded and watched Kate disappear into the buildings. ‘Does she stay here?’
‘Sadly, she does. No one knows she’s here or where she lives and one day I hope she will come and live with us. She can’t face living indoors or social integration after suffering horrific injuries in a conflict abroad. The hospitals put her body back together, but they couldn’t do anything for her mind. Strange as it may seem, this way of living has restored an element of confidence and she’s been guarding your boy ever since he was brought here by the woman. He’s a brave lad, Alan.
‘We need to find the woman’s address to establish if she is his mother. Then we can take action with the police. They, in turn, will contact the local authority. If we had approached Jake earlier he might have run away through fear. His time here was running out. It’s a huge relief to meet you and we’d like to see your son in safe hands and back home where he belongs.’
Stuart was curious about Alan’s smile. ‘What is it?’
‘Nothing much. I’m reminded of my RAF days with my commander issuing similar orders when you told Kate to carry on.’
161