Sebastian knew his part, as well. He appeared to be reserved and nervous as he offered Silbey a drink. After a few social inanities, they sat, Sebastian and Mel close together on the sofa, hands linked in mutual support.

All solicitude, Silbey opened his briefcase. “If I could just ask you a few questions? Get to know you a bit?”

They filled in their established backgrounds while Silbey took notes. But it was their body language that told the tale. The quick, hopeful glances exchanged, the touches. Silbey continued the interview, completely unaware that every word he spoke was being transmitted to two federal agents in an upstairs room.

Clearly pleased with the progress he was making, Silbey sent them an encouraging look. “I have to say, in my personal and professional opinion, you would make excellent parents. The selecting of a home for a child is a very delicate matter.”

He pontificated for a while on stability, responsibility, and the special requirements of raising an adopted child. Mel’s stomach turned even as she beamed at him.

“I can see that you’ve both thought this through very seriously, very thoroughly. There is, however, a point you may want to discuss at more length. The expenses. I know it sounds crass, putting a price on something we should consider a miracle. But there is a reality to be accepted. There’s a matter of medical expenses and compensation to the mother, my fee, court costs, and filing—all of which I will handle.”

“We understand,” Sebastian said, wishing he was free to wring Silbey’s neck.

“I’ll require a twenty-five-thousand-dollar retainer, and another hundred and twenty-five thousand at the end of the legalities. This will include all the expenses of the mother.”

Sebastian started to speak. He was, after all, a businessman. But Mel gripped his hand tighter and hit him with a pleading glance.

“The money won’t be a problem,” he said, and touched her cheek.

“All right then.” Silbey smiled, “I have a client. She’s very young, unmarried. She wants very much to finish college, and has come to the difficult decision that raising a child on her own would make this impossible. I’ll be able to provide you with her medical background, and that of the father. She’s quite firm that there be no other information divulged. With your permission, I will tell her about you, and give her my recommendation.”

“Oh.” Mel pressed her fingers to her lips. “Oh, yes.”

“To be frank, you’re exactly the kind of parents she was hoping for. I believe we’ll be able to complete this with everyone’s best interest served.”

“Mr. Silbey.” Mel leaned her head against Sebastian’s shoulder. “When … I mean, how soon would we know? And the child— What can you tell us?”