I looked over at Lily and Owen. Owen was quietly sipping his juice, still holding his bear with one hand, while Lily watched the adults, clearly trying to figure out what their fate would be. They had already lost their father, and now they were facing the terrifying unknown of foster care placements.
“Major,” I said softly, turning to Hayes. “Call the legal team at headquarters. I want our military legal advisor to look into this immediately.”
Hayes looked at me, understanding instantly. “Sir?”
“Their father was a veteran, wasn’t he?” I asked, pointing to a small, faded lapel pin attached to the strap of Owen’s backpack—a small detail I had noticed when I first knelt down. It was the crest of the 101st Airborne.
Hayes checked the file details Sarah had gathered. “Yes, sir. Captain Richard Miller. Honorably discharged three years ago.”
“Then these children are part of the military family,” I said, my decision made. “We don’t leave family behind. I want our personal injury accident lawyer to review the estate and the circumstances surrounding Captain Miller’s death. If there was negligence, or if there are survivor benefits being withheld from these kids, I want it sorted out immediately. And I want to consult with a qualified family law attorney for an emergency temporary guardianship petition.”
Sarah looked up, surprised. “Colonel, are you proposing to take custody?”
“Temporarily, until a proper, verified family member is vetted and approved,” I said without hesitation. “I have the clearance, the resources, and a house with more than enough room. They aren’t going to a group shelter tonight.”
The process took several hours of paperwork, phone calls, and background verification through both civilian and military channels. By 8:00 PM, the legal framework was temporarily settled. The stepmother was facing felony child endangerment charges, and the twins were officially placed under my temporary care with full support from state services.
As we walked out of O’Hare toward my vehicle, the crisp evening air swept across the pavement. Lily held my right hand, her small fingers wrapped tightly around mine, while Owen walked beside Major Hayes, looking up at the sky…
See more on the next page