Chapter 74

“Yes. That was Mr. Vanderbilt. He says the judge would like to talk to us in person before he finalizes the adoption. Is that okay with everybody?” He looked pointedly at his grandparents.

“Sure,” his grandmother said. “Let’s get in the car and I’ll show you how to get there.”

They piled in the car and pulled up in front of the county courthouse a few minutes later.

“Grandma, do you know where this Judge Higgins’ office is?” Chris said.

“Yes, I do. Just follow me.”

She led them up the steps of the late nineteenth-century courthouse to one of the corner offices. A sign over a door read ‘Judge Higgins’. She opened the door, and they followed her inside.

Chris walked up to the secretary and said, “Christopher Bottoms and party to see the judge about an adoption.”

“Yes, Sir. You’re expected. You can go right in.”