Chapter 39

Cody wanted to sit between George and Bernice at first. Then he thought he’d feel safer between Peter and Russell.

Mary sensed his discomfort and suggested they move to a round table. Cody would sit with Russell on one side of him and his grandpa on the other.

Russell explained everything as tactfully as possible. He made sure to emphasize that Cody’s mother would try to return to visit if she could. He also said that he had all the boy’s records and that Rosie signed documents allowing Russell to be the legal guardian for Cody. Peter spoke of Cody’s physical condition when he’d first arrived and the results of the X-rays. They avoided terms like abuse and abandonment but it was clear to Mary what was being said.