Read The Devil's Lair for Free Online Page B

to steal a strawberry or a sip of juice. After the fourth time, Madden takes up shop on my wife’s lap, deciding it’s easier to get what he wants. Siarra watches from a distance. Paula includes him in the conversation as much as possible. She’s very personable. I can see where Shane gets his personality.
    Leila and I keep exchanging glances. She places Madden on the floor next to his sister and returns to the table while watching me. We need to bring this up. We rehearsed it, but having to actually ask someone for her child borders on lunacy. She barely knows us. After more small talk has us in a lull, I start the conversation as best as I can.
    “Paula, I’m sure you’re wondering the real reason we asked you here today.”
    She wrings her hands nervously before nodding. “It has to do with Shane, I’m sure.”
    “It has to do with both of you.” Leila takes one of her hands, “Paula, Jack and I would like to help you with all your medical bills. We also will be setting up a trust fund for Shane’s education.”
    “I don’t know what to say.” She looks from Leila to me, clearly flustered with our offer. “I was just trying to make my son’s dreams come true. Give him some memories he could hold on to. I wasn’t looking for charity.”
    A tear slowly runs down her cheek. Leila stands to wrap an arm around her shoulders. “We aren’t offering charity, Paula. We are completely invested in Shane’s future. We want you to enjoy your time with him, without having to worry about his welfare.”
    Paula refuses to look at either of us. She’s humbled and embarrassed more than anything else. It’s clear on her face. Leila pulls her chair closer, still holding onto Paula’s hand.
    “We also have something else we wanted to talk to you about.” My wife quickly glances my way before getting to the point of this meeting. “We want you to consider giving us guardianship of Shane. We’ve grown very fond of your son. We know it’s only been a short time, but he’s already stolen our hearts. In fact, he’s stolen our entire band’s hearts.”
    Paula’s eyes expectedly well up with more tears. Still holding Leila’s hand, she quickly looks down at her lap to avoid eye contact.
    “We know this is ripping you apart. We want to be there for you as well as Shane. Please let us be your support. Think carefully about our request. We don’t want to pressure you in any way.”
    She swipes away at the tears rolling down her face. “I will.” She shakes her head, giving us a rueful smile. “I wasn’t expecting this. I’m sorry. I don’t want you to think I’m ungrateful. I just...” She pulls in a deep breath. “I’m at a loss.”
    “We’re here whenever you want to talk about this. We’ll answer any questions you have.”
    I almost add that she should take her time. I thankfully stop myself before voicing my thoughts. She doesn’t have time, or much of it at least. This woman is about to make the single most important decision of her son’s life. The situation is atrocious. The facts surrounding it are unspeakable. Yet, it’s necessary. It’s required and it needs to be discussed. My gut clenches from the reality of how any future discussions will occur. Fuck, it’s not like we are closing on a real estate deal. This is a child. Her child. Her flesh and blood and we are complete strangers.
    I only hope she sees how genuine we are, how absolutely committed we are to Shane’s future.
    After Paula leaves, we sit side by side on the couch, watching our children playing without a care in the world, just as they should be. No words are exchanged. We don’t need to voice our thoughts. I hold Leila close as we quietly think about Paula’s situation. An occasional sniffle from my wife is the only evidence of her emotional state.
    It’s a long time later when she finally says, “Jack, I’m scared for her.”
    “I know, Babe. Me too.”
    I am. I’m truly terrified for Paula Elliot. I’m not scared