Mrs. Penn was obviously outraged by the sights she’d seen inside the children’s abode, and although she was whispering to the officer, I could hear everything she said. I suspected Frances could, too. I moved my hand to cup his head, but I couldn’t block his hearing with only one hand.
“That shack is a complete pig sty,” Mrs. Penn was whispering loudly in almost a hiss rather than a quiet tone. “It’s a disgrace. The children should not have been living in such a wretched environment. The smell is nose clogging. Dirty clothes, rotten food, and piles of discard are everywhere. It’s completely unsanitary.
“The boy took me to the box that was supposed to contain all their clothes. There was nothing in it but rags, every garment worthless. These boys don’t even have pajamas or shoes. It’s a complete disgrace!”
I knew that Frances was listening. Carlo was probably too hysterical to tune in. I increased my back patting of Frances and whispered, “I think Frey really likes your pasture. He’s ready to move in.”
Inane, I know, but I had to say something to remove the sting of Mrs. Penn’s words. She was talking about what I imagined was the only home the boys had ever known. Having everything they owned called worthless and proclaiming their home a pig sty was not a recipe for soul calming.
Frances gave me a wan smile then tightened his fingers around my arm. I had babysat most of the kids in my village at one time or the other. Some of them I’d gotten close to, but nothing like this. I suppose the village children’s need had never been as great as those of these dear boys. Somehow, I’d bonded with them so deeply, that the only safety they felt was in my arms. How had that happened in only a few hours with a shared meal and a short ride on my horse?
Officer Krugle obviously didn’t appreciate my involvement. He cleared his throat several times and started to say something. I think he was about to order me to leave or to demand more information about my background, but then he heeded Mrs. Penn’s urging to take a look. He marched over to the shack, opened the door, and entered.