Free Dark Friends by Mark Butler Page B

from being around this weirdo? Steven knew that many adults were more comfortable around adolescents than adults, but Ellis was not that type. He was socially ineffectual, true enough, but he didn't have the aura of someone who could raise children. He was like a child himself; probably due to low intelligence. Steven felt a chill down his spine as he considered that this man might be a situational or preferential child abuser; he fit the profile. But Steven could only assume the man was innocent until he had evidence to the contrary. A glance at Catina confirmed she was thinking the same thing.
                  The McCrees sat politely for a one-sided, thirty-minute conversation that consisted of the orphanages history and present condition. Ellis droned on and on, talking about everything from the buildings construction to the orphanages mission. He told them why he had the best orphanage in the country and maybe even the world. He kept saying that the kids that were there all grew up to be well-adjusted, successful members of society. But the McCrees were not dumb people; they wondered if Ellis thought that they were undercover inspectors of some sort. Eventually, Ellis announced that he was ready to show them the kids, and had they chosen any names?
                  “Well actually, the list that we were sent was quite vague. We were hoping to see some more of the kids' files. Family histories, medical conditions and behavior reports.” Steven said.
                  “That would take weeks to compile, sir. Would you like for me to prepare those for you and we can re-schedule for...October?”
                  “No.” Catina said, “We'll see the kids today, now. We're tired of delays and mis-communications. Just show us the kids now, and we'll go from there.”
                  “As you wish. So, give me a name” Ellis replied, looking relieved. Steven thought that Ellis looked damn happy that he wouldn't have to make all those extra reports, and that after today he wouldn't have to deal with these would-be adoptive parents anymore.             
                  “I like...hmm...Amelia.” Catina announced.
                  It couldn't be. Not their first choice. Impossible. There was only one girl named Amelia in the entire orphanage, and Ellis couldn't bear the idea that she would be ripped away from him.
                  “She's a trouble-maker. You don't want her.”
                  “Sir? I like the name Amelia and I want to see this girl.” Catina said, setting her jaw.
                  “Are you sure? She's nearly sixteen now, and perhaps beyond redemption.”
                  “My wife asked to see Amelia, Mr. Ellis, please show her to us now.” Steven said, looking Ellis in the eye. In his years of practice, he knew that most large men like Ellis who chose to work around small kids everyday were damnable timid during an adult confrontation. Steven believed that if ninety-nine percent of bullies met with token resistance at any point, they would quickly fold. His hypothesis proved correct.
                  “Wait here for a minute.” Ellis said, rising out of his chair and rushing out of the office. He thought that he could get another girl and tell her to act like her name was Amelia. But...wait, he told them her age, too. That meant he had to find an older girl to pretend to be Amelia. But what if they liked the fake-Amelia? She might let her real name slip at anytime, or forget to respond when called by the name. For all his power and influence, Ellis could not hope to manipulate intelligent adults with his tricks. He was simply too accustomed to controlling children. Unable to form an alternative plan that might work, Ellis set out to fetch Amelia.
                  Amelia was taking a walk. She still felt change in the air, and she needed