Lies That Bind. Barbara McMahon

Witt. I thought I’d get started right here in Maraville. There are several local success stories that piqued my interest. Combined with those from other locales, such as New Orleans, Atlanta, even New York, we can present a broad canvas that will capture America’s attention and give credit to hardworking foster parents who open their doors to homeless children.”

      “Why, I think that’s a wonderful idea,” the director enthused. “We only have a few qualified families here. But then, we don’t have a lot of homeless children, either.”

      “Actually, April Jeffries is a foster child who was placed here in Maraville. She’s now a successful model in France. She’s agreed to allow me to start my interviews with her while she’s here visiting.”

      “I see.” Roberta looked at April and smiled. “You’re certainly beautiful enough to be a model. In Paris?”

      “I’ve lived there for seven years. But Maraville will always be home.” She hoped her tone was the one Jack was looking for. Would the woman really buy his story?

      “How can I help you?” Roberta asked.

      “We’d like to discuss the basics of how the foster-care system works,” Jack explained. “How you place children, maybe look at April’s history as a case study. Of course, once we’re further along and know if this will make it to the network, we’d ask if you were willing to be taped for broadcast on national television. The film crew would do its best not to disrupt your daily routine,” Jack assured her.

      “National television. Oh, my.” Roberta Nelson seemed to have stars in her eyes.

      “The whole concept is still in the planning stages, right now,” Jack added.

      “Of course. I’m happy to help however I can.”

      Jack settled back and pulled out his notebook. “I thought I’d ask a few questions to get the ball rolling, jot some notes, if that’s okay with you?”

      The director nodded eagerly.

      “Then we’ll formulate how we wish to proceed. And maybe you can go over April’s file with us, to show us an actual example of how the system works.”

      “Oh, I don’t know about that. We don’t make that information public.” She looked apologetically at April.

      “I understand,” April said. “But if I’m here to give my permission, wouldn’t that make a difference?”

      “For the broadcast, we’ll blank out any personal details,” Jack added.

      “I’ve seen how that works,” Roberta told him. “Everything gets fuzzy inside a certain area.”

      “Exactly,” Jack agreed. “Now, can we begin with a brief history of your own background and how you got started in Social Services?”