Buster reaches out for the toy. I hand it to him as Evelyn suppresses a sob. This is always the worst part of the job and the most necessary.

When we go back to the living room, Morris nods at me once. The grandmother has been located.

“Buster is going to visit Granny!” Morris says. “He’ll stay there for a few weeks. Won’t that be fun?”

“It’s Nana,” Frank corrects. “Just for a little while, big man.” He softly touches Buster’s ear.

“It’s very clear how much you love your son,” Minerva says, her eyes watery.

Morris glances at me, and I know what he’s thinking. All damaged people love their children, Minerva. The question is whether they’re looking after them properly.

“Next steps,” Morris says, his lips dry. “The police are on their way. They’ll have paperwork for you, and they’ll confiscate the drugs. We’ll also be filing papers with the court explaining our actions today. You’ll get a copy of those. And then as part of the court process, we’ll have a family conference at our office. Your mum will be there, and a lawyer if you’d like one. We can talk everything over at that meeting, figure out what’s best for the little guy.”

“I don’t understand anything you’re saying,” Evelyn says.

“You’ll see Buster again in a few days,” Minerva says. “We’ll set up a supervised visit. Right, Morris? And we’ll talk all of this over really soon. Next week we’ll meet up. Find the right way forward.”

“Bring him back where he belongs, you mean?” Evelyn asks.

“That’s what everyone wants, yes,” Morris says.

I stay quiet. The best thing is to remain collected. We’re so nearly there.

Morris motions for us to get ready to leave, and Evelyn passes Buster into my arms. He’s warm and soft to hug. His hair smells like sleep. Immediately he reaches away from me, whimpering.

“Mama?” he says. It’s the only thing I’ve ever heard him say.

“You’re going on a vacation!” Evelyn manages. “With Nana! Remember Nana’s cat? He’ll be so happy to play with you!” Her voice cracks, and she smiles although her eyes are doing the opposite.

“We’re getting a lawyer.” Frank’s jaw is wobbling.