Chapter 195: Blackmail
In Chapter 194, several key points were edited because of many restrictions: Jimmy and Fiona's relationship has worsened; Monica has filed for divorce and married Roberta; Sheila and Karen came to help during tough times, allowing all the kids to be adopted into Sheila's home.
Additionally, it was mentioned that during Frank's absence over the past six months, Sheila and Fiona had little contact, and their relationship had faded. However, since the kids are Frank's, Sheila was willing to help, not having forgotten Frank.
Moreover, Sheila has overcome her phobia and is now able to go out freely.
Lip and Ian were first sent to Sheila's place. Upon seeing Karen, Lip's flickering feelings reignited, while Karen knew about Lip and Mandy's situation.
Ian has been dating Mickey secretly, but no one knows about their relationship. Karen accidentally discovered their dates and warned Ian to be cautious.
......
"Actually, I want to explain something about Mandy," Lip started to say to Karen.
"Lip, Ian, I've prepared rooms for you. Since space is limited and Debbie and Carl are coming, is it okay if you two share a room?" Sheila said as she came downstairs to the brothers.
"That's fine; we can share," Lip and Ian quickly agreed.
"This room used to be a storage area, so it was only lightly cleaned in a hurry. If you need anything, just let me know," Sheila said, leading Lip and Ian to their room.
"This is way better than the group home. There, we had hundreds of people crammed into one big room; it felt like prison," Lip said as he jumped onto the top bunk.
"Thanks, Sheila," Ian said appreciatively.
"Don't mention it. You're both Frank's kids, and you're like my own. If Frank hadn't gotten into trouble, you might have already been my kids," Sheila said, her expression turning wistful.
After Officer Eddie's death, Sheila genuinely planned to marry Frank, and Karen was supportive of that.
Lip and Ian exchanged glances, surprised.
They had no idea what kind of hold Frank had over Sheila, making her so infatuated with him.
Previously, Sheila had a fear of unfamiliar environments that kept her homebound, unaware of Frank's true nature. She had been deceived by his sweet talk, which they could understand.
But now that Sheila had overcome her fears and could go out, she should have heard something about Frank's "real character" from others.
It was puzzling that she still held such affection for him.
As Lip and Ian settled into Sheila's home, Carl arrived shortly after.
Carl had been placed with a pair of highly educated gay men as his adoptive parents. If he caused any trouble beyond their tolerance, they would easily "give up" on him.
But Debbie, on the other hand, was facing some difficulties.
Her adoptive mother was unwilling to let her go, as she relied on these kids for income.
"I'll talk to her," Fiona said as she, Lip, and Ian went to find Debbie's adoptive mom.
"Fiona!" Debbie exclaimed, hugging her siblings.
"How have you been?" Fiona asked, ruffling Debbie's hair.
"I'm so hungry," Debbie said quietly, her stomach growling.
Though only a few days had passed, Debbie's health had noticeably declined.
"She isn't giving you anything to eat?" Lip frowned.
"I have to work for my meals," Debbie replied.
"You should get back to work," but before the group could say anything further, Debbie's adoptive mom grabbed her and pulled her into the house before they could react.
The adoptive mother was a large, imposing Black woman, weighing over 200 pounds, and Debbie couldn't resist as she was dragged in like a helpless chick.
"Hey! What are you doing?!" Fiona shouted, glaring at the adoptive mother for her rough treatment of Debbie.
"I know what you want—to take her back, right? Let me tell you, it's not impossible, but you'll need to bring $5,000 if you want her back," the adoptive mother declared, eyeing Fiona and the others greedily.
Fiona had visited Debbie not long ago, and the adoptive mother recognized her as Debbie's sister. Considering the recent communication from the social worker about changing Debbie's foster family, the adoptive mother had a good idea of what was happening.
Knowing the situation, the adoptive mother refused to let Debbie go.
This kind of thing wasn't uncommon. Many irresponsible and unfit parents, whether due to alcoholism, drug use, or other issues, often had their children taken by child services.
After the children were taken, some parents might genuinely repent, but judges typically don't support such claims. They don't just hand the children back; desperate parents might resort to underhanded methods to reclaim their kids.
The adoptive mother had encountered many cases like this and had profited handsomely from parents trying to retrieve their children.
Every time she faced such a situation, she could make a considerable sum. Even if these parents were broke due to their vices, they often found a way to scrape together some money.
Thus, the adoptive mother held all the cards—no money meant no children. She had a firm grip on these parents' vulnerabilities and wasn't afraid to make demands.
Of course, she would comply if the situation was legitimate and the judge allowed it; if someone showed up with a court order, she would cooperate and return the child.
But with Fiona and the others attempting to adopt through other means, it was clear they were trying to circumvent the system, leaving the adoptive mother unyielding in her demands.
"Five thousand?!" Fiona exclaimed, shocked that they would use Debbie as leverage to extort money.
That was no small amount; after all, the family's weekly expenses were only a few hundred dollars.
"Whenever you bring the money, then we can talk," the adoptive mother said, preparing to close the door.
"Wait!" Ian stepped forward, wedging his foot in the doorframe.
"What are you doing? If you try to force your way in, I'll call the police!" the adoptive mother warned, reaching for her phone.
"Five thousand is too much; can we negotiate for less?" Fiona urged, trying to calm Ian.
"Five thousand, not a penny less!" the adoptive mother shot Ian a glare, forcefully slamming the door shut.
"Damn it! If she won't let Debbie go, how are we going to get her back? Look at Debbie; she must be getting mistreated!" Ian exclaimed, punching the wall in frustration.
"What if we sneak in and rescue Debbie?" Fiona suggested.
They could take her and create the illusion that she had run away—it's not unusual for foster kids to escape from their homes.
"Not gonna work; the doors and windows are welded shut," the three of them said after circling the house.
As they were strategizing, a police car slowly pulled up and parked on the side of the road. An officer stepped out and leaned against the car door, observing the three from a distance.
"Let's head back for now," Fiona said, glancing at the police car.
"You think you can outsmart me? You kids are still too naive. Mama Kamala sees everything," the adoptive mother said, peering out from the window and lifting the curtain as she watched Fiona and the others leave, her tone dripping with disdain.
Kamala, as the adoptive mother was named, had cultivated a wholesome exterior, appearing to be a kind-hearted woman who loved children and was friendly with the community. She was well-regarded in the neighborhood.
She maintained a good relationship with the local patrolling officers, often bringing them cakes and coffee. If any issues arose, the police would come to help, especially since she was a single woman caring for so many children.
(End of Chapter)