Maria walked into the office with Nick Dalton, chatting quietly about the weekend. As they entered Lee’s office, Maria was describing Jazz’s appearance and demeanor. Lee was already sitting at the small round table in her office, copies of the draft case plan placed neatly before two of the unoccupied chairs. She rose from her own seat as the other two caseworkers entered the office and greeted both cheerfully. “Maria was just telling me about your visit with Jazz, and from the sound of it she seems like a good kid,” Nick said as he settled into the chair to Lee’s left. “She is,” Lee agreed. “She was shy and nervous, of course. But she seemed really self-aware and dignified - more dignified than people I know who are twice her age.” “Plus, she has really good taste in books,” Maria added. Lee laughed. “She does! Horse books, non-stop. I love it!”
Nick sighed. “Well. I wish I could report the same kind of news to you guys, but I guess we wouldn’t be sitting here if I could.” Lee grimaced. “No luck getting ahold of the father, I take it?” she asked sympathetically. “Not a word, Lee. Not a single word. And the mother is fucking useless, just about to drive me crazy.” “Can’t see her daughter, doesn’t know where her husband is - I can’t imagine that would be easy on her, Nick,” Maria said gently. “Right, and I imagine she’s in shock. But goddamnit - how could she let it get to that point? I realize I’m not a woman, so maybe I’m out of line here, but isn’t a mother’s basic instinct to protect her child?” Nick looked at both women, visibly frustrated, and Lee almost wanted to laugh. “It’s not that simple, man. Am I condoning that woman’s behavior? No - hell, no! I completely agree that she should have been a better protector. But believe me, Jazz is not the only victim here, and was most likely not the first. For however long they’ve been together, Desire Ward has been abused by her husband, I’d bet my life on it. She’s probably lived in fear of him, probably prays every night that he doesn’t kill her or her daughter, when she’s not praying for a way out of the situation. But that’s the whole goddamn problem - she doesn’t have a way out!”
Maria and Nick looked at Lee with some surprise. She was well-known for being cool to the point of icy, so to hear her speak with such vehemence. The office was silent for a few moments before Nick said, “So then let’s see what we’re going to do about it. I see you have ideas on how to help Jazz, and I think I might be able to think of one or two things for Desire.”
Lee took a sip of water to cover her own confusion. She would have never expected to speak so passionately, and so personally, to her colleagues. She was saved from having to speak immediately, as Maria used the opportunity to agree to several of Lee’s suggestions - family reunification services (which were rote in all except the most dire circumstances, none of which had ever passed any of their desks), the recommendation for Dr. Humphrey. She also agreed to the plan for changing schools. “Jazz knows Ms. Jamison did what she felt was right, but at the same time, I could see Jazz wanting a fresh start.” “That was my thinking,” Lee said, finally able to use her words again. “I know that I would have been really reluctant to show up to school ever again.”
“Well, I didn’t find anything I disagreed with,” Nick said. “But I was thinking that, on top of family therapy services, we should offer individual counseling to Desire. I know we’ll offer counseling and rehab to Antonio, but if Lee’s right - and she always is - then I’m guessing Desire could benefit from seeing a therapist on her own. What do you two think?” “You’re right - she’s right!” Maria laughed, as Lee shook her head ruefully. “I think that’s a great idea, Nick,” Lee said. Maria nodded, still laughing to herself. “Great!” Nick smiled. “Do you want me to add it to case plan, Lee, or do you want to make the edits yourself?” “I’ll take care of it and send you both a revised copy. Unless either of you have anything else to add, I think that should do it.” The three caseworkers agreed that, with the final revision and review, the plan was finalized, and Lee promised to send it to the courthouse that afternoon.
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