Mr. Boon, he said in the tone of a man moving to a different argument because the first one had not landed as planned. The board's primary concern is the welfare of the children. Specifically whether this arrangement serves their long-term interests or whether they would be better served by separation into multiple placements where each child receives individual attention appropriate to their specific minds. No, Calder said.
Prescott stopped. No, Calder said again. They are not being separated. I have told each one of them that they are staying. I do not intend to make a liar out of myself.
Behind him in the house, he was aware that at least one window had opened slightly and that the people at that window were his children listening. Mr. Boon, Prescott said with a careful patience of someone who is deciding how much authority to deploy. The board has the legal right to review. I know what the board has the legal right to do.
Calder said, I also know that you have not found anything wrong. You've listed concerns. Concerns are not findings. Until you have findings, you are standing in my yard telling me things I'm already working on. " He looked at the three of them steadily. Come back in two weeks.
I will have the school arrangement signed, the railing done, and a household log ready for your review. If you find something wrong after that, I will listen. " Prescott was quiet for a moment. He was a man who was accustomed to people becoming either apologetic or defensive, and Calder had done neither, which left him without a prepared response. Two weeks, he said finally. Two weeks, Calder confirmed.
They left. And Calder stood in the yard until their wagon was out of sight. And then he turned around and found Wesley standing on the porch. You heard that? Calder said.
It was not a question. We all heard it, Wesley said. I know. He looked at the boy. It's not over.
They'll come back. I know. And I meant what I said. 2 weeks. Which means we've got work to do.