Chapter 52

Kelsea

"So what's the plan?" I ask, moving my hand down Nick's arm before grabbing his hand in mine. He's an anchor, keeping me solid when all I want to do is rage at the injustice of all of this. "There has to be a plan." Glancing a look over at him, I can see he looks just about how I feel – like I'm going to throw up right here on the floor. Or maybe scream, just to get the nerves out. This moment is so crucial. A child's life remains in the balance of what happens in this one set of circumstances that probably will end up being a few short seconds of his entire life. I feel the pressure as I take a deep breath, blowing it out slowly, hoping to relieve some of the tension.

"He'll go into foster care," Nick says, his voice monotone, his body tight. "Right?" He barks so harshly that I feel sorry for this woman. "You'll put him in some group home, or with a couple who only take children because they get the kickbacks from the government."

"There are many options…"

"Don't give m