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I sit up a little straighter in my chair, genuinely curious to know Victoria’s answer.
“Why, of course. I would never have allowed her to get something like that done illegally. She actually got to choose each one before it was inked into her skin. She, of course, always took breaks whenever she needed.” She smiles at me through the lie, her face a little pinched.
“Hmm, you must not be aware then, Victoria, that it’s illegal in the state of Illinois for a minor to get a tattoo, even with parental consent.”
Her head snaps back to Detective Riggs, who’s leaning back in his chair with a knowing smirk on his face.
She shoots up from the chair. “This is outrageous! I demand to have a lawyer present if I am to be questioned like a criminal!” She turns on her heel to march out, but she’s stopped by the next words.
“That’s fine. The social worker for Harley should be here in about ten minutes. You can call a lawyer, if you please.”
Her back stiffens. An uncomfortable mass begins growing in my stomach.
No. Please don’t make me go to another foster home. Don’t bring in the social worker, who’s a nice older woman with way too much work to do and very little resources.
I start to protest, “I—”
Riggs holds up a hand. Victoria’s face has paled to match her white handbag.
“If you would rather…Harley could continue her education at Ole Tex University, considering you already signed her enrollment paperwork. I’m sure the social worker would be pleased to know she’s seeking higher education at a well-known state school. Not many foster children have the support to do so, especially at seventeen.” His eyes are narrowed on the thin woman, who is glaring daggers at me.
“That’s what I would like to do,” I say, turning my eyes back to the detective.
Victoria is silent for another few seconds, all eyes on her. “I…I guess she should do whatever it is she wants then,” she forces the words out through clenched teeth.
“Excellent. I’m glad to hear both parties have reached an agreement.” Riggs stands, and we all follow suit.
“Harley, I’d like to speak to you alone for a moment.” He smiles at me.
I turn to look at Adam’s blank face. He walks by, squeezing my hand and continuing out the door.
Victoria is frozen, eyes flitting from me to the detective. She finally walks out, and we are alone.
“Harley, do you know about the Emancipation of Minors Act?” His smile is gone, replaced with a concerned crease in his brow.
“I, uh, yes. I’ve heard it’s difficult to get if you…have a habit of breaking the law.” I don’t exactly look the part of a responsible teen, nor does my record show it.
“Well, you’re living on your own and supporting yourself. If you apply, having a friendly ear is always helpful. I happen to play eighteen holes with Judge Matthews every other Sunday.” He winks at me, handing over a stack of pink papers. “You should have no issue with being emancipated six months before your birthday when you’re already in school. After the fact, we can report everything to the social worker, preventing Victoria from housing any more foster kids.”
He walks around the desk, standing in front of me.
“I…I don’t know what to say,” I mumble, gripping the papers.
“You say, ‘See you in a few months for my court date.’” He hands me a card with his name and contact information. He’s grinning again. “Also, you can tell Russ he’s a quitter for retiring and going into that easy campus police work.”
36
Adam
“We should get some lunch at the airport,” I say to Harley as we walk out of the police station.
The taxi is pulling up to the curb. I look over at her face, pale and withdrawn.
“Harley?”
She looks up at me, a tear slipping through her lashes.
“What’s wrong?” I reach for her hand, but she’s already moving away.
