Only the man didn’t say what I’d assumed he would, because Mrs. Penn interrupted him. “Officer, I need to get back. I have matters to take care of. Can we all get into the buggy and head out?”
I don’t think Mrs. Penn expected any argument over that, because she turned and made her way back to the conveyance, and then without any assistance, climbed up.
Had she forgotten about the two little boys, or was Officer Krugle supposed to manhandle them into the vehicle?
“Have you ever gotten to ride in a buggy?” I asked the boys. I was chiefly talking to Frances, since Carlo, although his sobs had settled down, was still in no condition to respond.
“No, ma’am,” Frances said. “We’ve never had a chance to do that.”
“Well, here’s your opportunity. It will be fun.”
Geez, I couldn’t believe I was spouting such nonsense. Fun? Should a person talk about having fun only minutes after hearing how the lives of these boys had suddenly crashed? I was stripped down to wordlessness then, trying to think of something else to say when Frances said, “Please, will you go with us? Please?”
“I think that’s a good idea, Shama. It would make things easier on the boys,” Officer Krugle said.
I glanced up at him, surprised that he wanted me to go into town with them. “I thought you’d tell me to leave. I’m a stranger, and I don’t even know these boys. I only met them today.”
“But you bonded with them.” He rubbed his cheek, like his freshly shaved chin might need a razor again. Apparently, it passed his touch inspection because he dropped his hand and curled his fingers into the belt loops on each side of his pants. “You said you were an orphan, Shama. You, of all people, should understand how these boys need you right now. You’re their only stability.”
Needles and pins. I don’t know why I hadn’t expected this. Why had I thought that the clinginess of the boys would instantly change into a burst of enthusiasm when I’d suggested going for a buggy ride? And now, getting guilt trips from a policeman? Wouldn’t the boys be just fine without me? I wasn’t their family. I didn’t have any connection with them. Not really.
Once more, I attempted to untangle the fingers so tightly pressing down on my skin that I would probably have bruises.
Emotional manipulation by handsome officers of the law should have no effect on me. I wasn’t a fool. I closed my eyes and sought for a way to get out of the obligation he was trying to foist on me.
Carlo lifted his head and stared up at me. “We don’t have a mommy anymore. Will you be our new mommy. Please?”