Page 173 - My Home on the Earth

he was camping out in the wild with other boys. Perhaps that’s what I wanted it to be. I think this affair is going to get worse. There are things I will discover about my wife and son I didn’t know about. Until I get to the truth, I won’t be able to give him the security and love he deserves. It’s heart-wrenching to think Jake could exist alone in a strange town and wander around for so long without being questioned or hurt.’
‘This isn’t a village, Alan,’ said Stuart gently. ‘We have thousands of people who pass through this county; most on holiday. We see single young people strolling around every day and never question why they are here. But a repetitive pattern developed with Jake and I can assure you that we, at the foundation, noticed him long before the police did. You see, there are those in authority who need to know and those who do not.’
Alan thanked the couple for their kindness and decided to walk back to the hotel to clear his head. How could I have allowed this to happen with such disastrous consequences? To leave our son alone in a wooden cabin is inconceivable. Melanie must have gone mad. I can’t bear to think of her living in luxury whilst our son lived in squalor. It’s wicked. And as for her going cap in hand to her sister, that’s unthinkable. Crikey, I was putting money into their account every month to pay for food and rent. What did she do with it?
Stuart promised to find Jake and tried to reassure Alan. He felt heartbroken as he watched a forlorn father walk down the driveway. Alan walked through the town centre where crowds jostled at every corner. Right now, Jake
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